The election season officially began on Monday with candidate filings for the June 2 primaries, and it’s looking like another interesting year in Morristown politics, with a pastor, a prankster and a past politico all making council bids — while Councilwoman Raline Smith-Reid rides into the sunset after four terms.
PRIMARY CONTEST
The only contested primary is in the Third Ward, where Democratic incumbent Stefan Armington, who has played an active role in planning issues such as the Speedwell Avenue Redevelopment and bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly policies, faces a surprise challenge from former Councilman Tim Jackson.
Jackson, who until 2008 represented the First Ward, where he championed rent control, will need to make more than a political comeback. He must overcome physical hardships imposed by a stroke in 2012.
Armington said he had not realized Jackson had moved to the Third Ward, but welcomed him. “Mr. Jackson deserves a lot of respect for his many years of service on the council when he was younger. I look forward to the challenge,” the councilman said.
With no other contested primaries, battle lines already are drawn for the general election in November.
FIRST WARD
Council President Rebecca Feldman, the Independent who unseated Tim Jackson after three terms, has until primary day to file her petition for re-election. If she runs, her First Ward challenger will be political newcomer Chris Russo, a Democrat.
Russo is known locally for organizing half-marathons for Superhero Events, and for a spectacular UFO prank a few years ago. (That saga is scheduled to air on truTV on April 1 at 8 pm.) The pharmaceutical salesman also raised money for the Elm Street fire victims. No Republicans filed in the First Ward.
Feldman is challenging New Jersey’s primary system in court and has taken a hard line against downtown bars that residents have blamed for eroding their quality of life.
A former planning board member, she played a key role in the town’s master plan update, and has championed progressive approaches to development and zoning.
“I am carefully considering many options, and have been discussing them with my constituents, ” Feldman said about her re-election plans.
Russo said he likes Feldman but thinks voters deserve choices. He lives downtown near the bars. “I want to see Morristown continue to grow, but grow responsibly. The most important thing is you want residents to be happy with the town where they live,” he said.
SECOND WARD
A new face is coming to The Second Ward, regardless of who wins in the fall. Raline Smith-Reid, a Democrat, is stepping down after four terms.
“Sixteen years is enough for me,” said Smith-Reid, explaining that she is ready to devote more time to her one-year-old grandson, Aiden, and to her career as a systems analyst.
Concerns about tax increases motivated her to get involved in politics, she said, adding she is proud of her advocacy for affordable housing for her constituents.
Traditionally, the Second Ward votes Democratic. But the Rev. Sidney Williams Jr. hopes to change that. The pastor of the Bethel A.M.E. Church is running as a Republican, against Democrat Hiliari Davis Oyesanya.
“I think voters in the Second Ward are intelligent enough to vote with their hearts and minds,” said Williams, adding that his church has a history of political involvement dating to the 18th century.
The minister, who formerly worked on Wall Street, said he hopes to work with Democratic Mayor Tim Dougherty on the beautification of Martin Luther King Avenue. He said he also plans to keep working to alleviate Whippany River flooding, with a goal of bringing affordable housing to Coal Avenue and Bishop Nazery Way.
Oyesanya is a graduate of Morristown High School and a lifelong resident of Morristown; her family has been here for five generations. She and her husband, an author and educator, have a 7-year-old daughter.
A strong proponent of affordable housing, Oyesanya is eager to continue a family tradition of community service, according to town Democratic Chairwoman Mary Dougherty.
FOURTH WARD
In the Fourth Ward, Alison Deeb — the lone Republican on the council — will square off against Democrat Justin Davis this fall.
Davis, a graduate of Drew University and father of two small children, serves as deputy chief of staff to former governor and current state Sen. Richard J. Codey (D-27th Dist.) and has considerable experience in government relations, Dougherty said. Davis also is a member of the town Democratic committee and was considered for an interim council appointment in 2013.
“They’re all terrific candidates,” Dougherty said.
Morristown GOP Chairman Frank Vitolo said he was optimistic about the Second Ward race, describing Pastor Sidney Williams as a “fresh, powerful voice” who has accomplished good things at his nonprofit Spring Street Community Development Corporation.
And he expressed confidence in Deeb, who seeks a third term. “She’s one of the best retail politicians in town. She walks more than anyone,” establishing goodwill, Vitolo said.
