November’s general election should be interesting in Morristown. But the primary on June 2, 2015, will be a yawner — Democrat Tim Jackson has been disqualified in the Third Ward, so Councilman Stefan Armington will be unopposed on Tuesday.
So will all the candidates in the other three wards. Town politicos instead will be watching to see whether Council President Rebecca Feldman, an Independent, will announce a run for a third term in the First Ward.
It was Feldman who unseated Jackson in 2008.
Jackson’s intention to attempt a comeback seemed surprising, given that he is dealing with physical challenges imposed by a stroke in 2012.
Turns out there were technical challenges, too: Jackson only moved to the Third Ward in January. That’s too soon to fulfill an election law that requires candidates to live in their ward for at least one year prior to the general election in November, said Town Clerk Kevin Harris.
Harris also rejected 15 of 25 signatures on Jackson’s campaign petition, ruling that the signatories either did not reside within the Third Ward, were not registered Democrats, or were not registered voters.
There are no contested primaries in Morris Township or Morris Plains, either. Scroll down for the candidates’ names in all three municipalities.
Polls are open from 6 am to 8 pm on Tuesday. Here is where to vote in Morristown… and the Township… and Morris Plains.
BRUISING FREEHOLDER PRIMARY
The most-watched primary in the Morris County will be the freeholder race, where seven Republicans are vying to run for three seats in the fall.
Three incumbents who ran together three years ago now have split into two camps, in a bruising race.
Freeholders David Scapicchio of Mount Olive and John Krickus of Washington Township have formed a ticket with Denville Councilwoman Deborah Smith.
They are opposed by the ticket of Freeholder John Cesaro of Parsippany, former East Hanover Councilman Angelo Tedesco and Christine Meyers, former vice president of the Morris County Women’s Republican Club.
Rockaway Councilman Thomas Mulligan also is running.
The 25th District Assembly primary (includes Morristown, Morris Township) is uncontested on both sides:
Republicans:
Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco of Boonton Township
Assemblyman Michael Patrick Carroll of Morris Township
Democrats:
Richard J. Cocoran of Boonton
Thomas Moran of Randolph
Likewise, there are no primary battles in the 26th Assembly District (includes Morris Plains):
Republicans:
Assemblyman Jay Webber of Parsippany
Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce of Parsippany
Democrats:
Wayne B. Marek of Morris Plains
Avery Hart of Kinnelon
For the record, these are the primary candidates in Morristown:
First Ward:
Democrat: Chris Russo.
Republican: None.
Second Ward, where Democrat Raline Smith-Reid is stepping down after four terms:
Democrat: Hiliari Davis Oyesanya
Republican: The Rev. Sidney Williams Jr.
Third Ward:
Democrat: Councilman Stefan Armington
Republican: None.
Fourth Ward:
Democrat: Justin Davis
Republican: Councilwoman Alison Deeb.
READ MORE ABOUT THE MORRISTOWN CANDIDATES
Morris Township:
Two Township Committee seats are in play.
Republicans:
Deputy Mayor Bruce Sisler
Committeeman Matheu Nunn, appointed this spring to fill the unexpired term of Scott Rosenbush.
Democrats:
Former Committeeman Jeff Grayzel
Cathy Wilson
Morris Plains:
Republican incumbents Joseph Cecala Jr. and Laurie Fu face no opposition.
Any registered Democrats or Unaffiliated voters in Morris County, please write in Brendan L. Keating for Freeholder. I’m a mainstream moderate Dem. fighting for all Morris County residents.