September 29, 2026
Mayor Moench Put Politics Ahead of Animals by Blocking Shelter Fundraiser From Pedroso-Pino Debate
What was announced as a bipartisan community event to raise money for the Somerset Regional Animal Shelter and bring residents together for a civil discussion of local issues has now become the subject of a political dispute.
Former Bridgewater Councilman Filipe Pedroso, who served 10 years on the Zoning Board of Adjustment and 14 years on the township Council, and former Somerset County Undersheriff Tim Pino, the longtime County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit Commander, had announced a public debate and concert fundraiser for the Somerset Regional Animal Shelter at Green Knoll Grill on Friday, October 9 at 6 PM. The event was first reported by Patch earlier this month. Both Pedroso and Pino previously served in leadership roles with the Somerset Regional Animal Shelter Committee.
According to Pedroso, the shelter was subsequently instructed not to participate in the event, including through an animal-adoption component that had been contemplated as part of the fundraiser.
Pedroso says he was informed that Mayor Matthew Moench objected to the shelter's association with the event.
"I find it deeply troubling that an event designed to raise money for animals and bring Democrats and Republicans together for a respectful public discussion is now being treated as a political problem," said Pedroso. "If the shelter can raise thousands of dollars and potentially find homes for animals at this event, why would anyone want to stop that from happening?”
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DEBATE NIGHT
DATE: Friday, October 9, 2026
TIME: 6 PM
PLACE: Green Knoll Grill, 645 US-202, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
“Mayor Moench has made it clear that he doesn’t appreciate my criticism of his record on taxes and fees. During his tenure, Bridgewater’s municipal tax burden has increased 42% in less than two full terms, while sewer rates have risen over 35% for residents and an astonishing 300% for businesses. Those increases are why I’ve referred to him as ‘Tax King Moench,’ a criticism he clearly takes personally. But this isn’t about me or the mayor’s feelings toward me. This is about the Somerset Regional Animal Shelter. If the mayor is using his political influence to prevent the shelter from participating in an event simply because I’m involved, then he is putting a personal political dispute ahead of an opportunity for animals to find a much needed home and for the shelter to raise potentially thousands of dollars for animals in need. That is simply unacceptable.”
"Tim and I have political differences, but we both have a history of supporting the Somerset Regional Animal Shelter. Neither of us created this event to attack the shelter or turn it into a partisan organization. We created it because we wanted to do something positive for the community while giving residents an opportunity to hear two people with different political perspectives debate the issues."
Pedroso said he believes the controversy is particularly disappointing because the original event was deliberately structured around community service rather than partisan politics.
"This was supposed to be simple: Tim and I debate the issues, Green Knoll Grill hosts the community, New Power Soul provides the entertainment, and the shelter benefits. Instead, the shelter is now caught in the middle of a political dispute," Pedroso said. "The animals should not become collateral damage in anyone's political disagreements."
Pino: "The Shelter Shouldn't Be Caught in the Middle"
Pino, who is participating in the debate, said he remains supportive of the event's original charitable purpose.
"The Somerset Regional Animal Shelter shouldn’t be caught in the middle of politics," said Pino. "I thought this was a great opportunity to have a substantive discussion about issues affecting our community while doing something positive for the shelter."
Pino added, "Filipe and I don't agree on everything, and that's exactly why I think the debate is worthwhile. But we both care about this community and we both care about animals. The focus should be on helping the shelter and giving residents an opportunity to hear different perspectives."
Pino previously said he was looking forward to debating Pedroso and thanked the businesses, musicians and organizers participating in the fundraiser.
Green Knoll Grill: "This Was Always About Community"
Lisa DiChiara, owner of Green Knoll Grill, said the restaurant agreed to host the event because it was intended to bring people together while supporting the shelter.
"For decades, Green Knoll Grill has been more than a restaurant — we've been part of the heart of this community," said DiChiara. "We believe real leadership brings people together rather than dividing them. That is why we were proud to host an evening centered around respectful conversation, community and giving back to the Somerset Regional Animal Shelter."
DiChiara added, "Whatever disagreements may exist outside of this event, our hope is that the focus can remain where it belongs — on the community, on respectful civic discussion and on helping animals in need."
Her comments echo the restaurant's original public statement about the event, in which she described the fundraiser as an opportunity for civic discussion and support for the shelter.
Fundraiser Was Originally Announced as Shelter Benefit
The original event announcement described the October 9 gathering as a Somerset Regional Animal Shelter fundraiser featuring a debate between Pedroso and Pino followed by a concert by New Power Soul.
The event is scheduled for Friday, October 9 at 6 PM at Green Knoll Grill, 645 Route 202/206, Bridgewater.
Pedroso said the organizers intend to continue with the debate and concert.
"The event is going forward," said Pedroso. "Tim and I are going to debate the issues, Green Knoll Grill is going to welcome the community, and we're going to have a great concert afterward. Proceeds from the event will still be donated towards non-profit animal organizations. My hope is that we can still find a way for the shelter to benefit because at the end of the day, this should be about the animals and our community."
The Township's public records confirm that Bridgewater appoints representatives and a council liaison to the Somerset Regional Animal Shelter Management Committee.
