Your Neighbors Are Voting Yes
Our supporters include Democrats, Republicans, Independents, and Unaffiliated voters. Here's what they have to say.
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"Although a registered Democrat, I vote for the best candidates, not party labels. Results speak for themselves: Republicans gave us Complete Streets; Democrats, a poor Affordable Housing deal. Let's set aside party politics and focus on what's best for Millburn."
Lea Cruz
26-year resident, Knollwood
"Non-partisan elections reduce political tension by shifting focus from national conflicts to shared local priorities. Candidates must appeal broadly, fostering moderation and cooperation. Voters judge ideas on merit, producing responsive leaders who put our town first."
Jack Ouyang
20-year resident, Glenwood
"We are not Texas or California — we are Millburn. Local elections shouldn't follow national party politics. Nearly 50% of our voters are unaffiliated. Is it fair that only half our community decides who gets on the ballot? Vote non-partisan."
Zachary Glatt
Lifelong resident, Deerfield — Student Rep., Millburn Board of Ed 2024–25
"I am your current Mayor — I had to change my party registration just to serve Millburn. Our challenges are local, and partisanship only distracts from real solutions. I fully support this referendum. Please vote YES. Free Millburn from partisan local politics."
Mayor Frank Saccomandi
5-year resident, Hartshorn
"My support for non-partisan local elections began after learning how each party selects its candidates. Local parties currently hold too much control over who may run, shutting out many qualified residents. Opening local offices to all community members, regardless of party affiliation, is in everyone's best interest."
René Paparian
30-year resident, South Mountain — Co-Chaired Green Team, Chaired Environmental Commission
"Given the pace of development in our town, structural reform is overdue. Non-partisan elections and longer terms reduce partisan influence and allow officials more time to govern thoughtfully — rebuilding trust and fostering a more cooperative, community-focused environment."
Lijo Jacob and Joanne Thomas
5-year residents, South Mountain
"The following are personal views as a Millburn resident, not those of any organization. I fully support the Commission's recommendation: a Council-Manager government, seven members, four-year terms, non-partisan elections every two years, and a mayor elected by the council."
Jeslyn Li
17-year resident, Hartshorn
"Non-partisan elections bring people together without forcing anyone to align with a party. When local races aren't tied to labels, the focus shifts to shared priorities — education, safety, fiscal responsibility — not headlines from distant cities."
Jamie Serruto
24-year resident, Hartshorn — Township Committee member, Former BOE member
"For years, I've believed party politics don't belong in Millburn. Our Township Committee members are dedicated neighbors, yet divisiveness has grown. A non-partisan system will reduce conflict, foster collaboration, and keep the focus on Millburn's needs."
Daniel Cannon
22-year resident, Wyoming
"Non-partisan elections, four-year terms, and elections every other year will improve our local government. These changes add stability, support long-term planning, boost community involvement, and reduce voter fatigue. They limit partisan influence, so officials focus on governing thoughtfully and cooperatively."
Kenny Gantman
6-year resident, Deerfield — Director, Soccer Club; Director, PBA Local 34 Golf Outing
"We have both lived here our entire lives. We support keeping Millburn focused on local needs, not partisan politics. This referendum ensures decisions are made in the community's best interest, without outside influence. We're voting YES."
Mark and Danielle Speckhart
Lifetime residents, Deerfield
"Millburn Township already functions like a Council-Manager government. This referendum enshrines that structure in state law — formalizing the split between elected officials who set policy and a professional manager who runs operations — ensuring stability, accountability, and effective government."
Cheryl Schneider
11-year resident, Wyoming — Former Business Admin., Millburn Public Schools 2016–2025
"Vote “Yes” to give power to the people. Nobody wanted these new developments, except politicians and real estate developers. Among other things, this reform provides a mechanism for residents to vote on such developments. That's powerful."
Raj Yerasi
5-year resident, Wyoming
"I've worked across party lines and consistently focused on representing ALL residents. Our challenges are local, and partisanship only distracts from real solutions. I fully support these changes. Please vote YES."
Ben Stoller
12-year resident, Wyoming — Township Committee member
"Non-partisan elections encourage candidates to prioritize community needs over party agendas. Without party labels, voters evaluate individuals on competence and ideas, reducing polarization and fostering collaboration. The result is governance shaped by shared local interests instead of ideological battles."
John Molka
22-year resident, Glenwood
"Non-partisan elections reduce polarization, emphasize candidate merit, and broaden the pool of qualified contenders — especially among independents excluded from low-turnout primaries. This approach strengthens trust, encourages collaboration, and creates representative, community-focused leadership grounded in problem-solving rather than party labels."
Jill Galvin
23-year resident, Knollwood
"Despite my dissatisfaction with our town's trajectory, I avoided local politics for years because of the divisive environment. I ran in 2025 alongside the Charter Study ballot question, and I am confident the commissioners' recommendations will strengthen our town government."
Kris Heinrichs
15-year resident, Deerfield — BOE member 2023–2025, President 2025
"Non-partisan elections and longer terms strengthen meritocracy, ensuring leaders are chosen for competence, not party labels. These reforms broaden the candidate pool, elevate qualified residents, and create a fairer system where ideas and performance, not partisan affiliation, determine who serves."
Brian Lin
5-year resident, Short Hills Park
"After attending over 200 Township Committee meetings, we're ready for change. State and national ideology has little to do with running Millburn. Without primaries and outside influencers, and with more talented candidates, we can improve this wonderful town."
Mike and Katherine Becker
50-year residents, Hartshorn
"Removing party labels pushes voters to examine candidates' records, plans, and character. Non-partisan elections reward problem-solvers over loyalists, reduce straight-ticket voting, and broaden civic engagement — producing leaders who reflect local priorities over party ones."
Ted and Maureen Kundtz
40-year residents, Short Hills Park Historic District
"I became convinced change was needed when machine politics led prior administrations to sell the town dump for $1 and approve income-segregated housing on contaminated land. Non-partisan elections mean the best candidates run — not those handpicked to advance party agendas."
Richard Seibert
26-year resident, South Mountain — Senior Citizen Advisory Committee
"The Commission's well-researched proposal offers an essential improvement: non-partisan elections. Years of single-party rule have produced massive overbuilding of high-rise developments, pressuring our infrastructure. Let's put our community's needs first, not Trenton's. Vote YES."
Nancy Goldfeder
40+ year resident, Hartshorn — Award-winning nonfiction author
"The Charter Study Commission — comprising Democrats, Republicans, and Independents — shows what's possible when we work together for residents. These role models for our community were thoughtful and collegial in exploring all options. We will vote YES on their unanimous recommendation."
Charles and Colette Bambara
30-year residents, Poets Section
"I support a non-partisan town council in Millburn. It keeps focus on residents' needs, rather than party agendas. Ambitious members can still pursue higher office, but without the pressure to politicize decisions or let partisan incentives distort what's best for the community."
Dr. Eric Seaman
20-year resident, Deerfield
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