Former Morris Township Mayor Dan Caffrey won’t seek fourth term; says time for ‘new phase’ in his life

Citing work obligations, Morris Township Committeeman Dan Caffrey said Monday he won’t seek a fourth term on the Township committee.

“It’s just time for another phase in my life,” said Caffrey, the former mayor. “I really couldn’t make that three-year commitment.”

Dr. Nicole Saphier, a member of the township board of health and a frequent health commentator on Fox & Friends, will run for his seat as a Republican, Caffrey said.  The Township committee names one of its members as mayor each year.

Caffrey sparked controversy — and even middle-of-the-night, anonymous telephoned death threats, he said– with a letter to the editor in February telling liberals it was time to move on and support President Trump.

He said he stands by his comments and the episode did not influence his decision to step down.

Rather, Caffrey said, he and his wife will become empty-nesters when their third child heads for college in another year, and he may consider relocating if his company offers a transfer. He is a district sales manager for Paychex.

“We’ve got a strong bench, so it’s a good time to give other folks an opportunity,” Caffrey said of the local GOP.He plans to serve until his term expires in December, and then intends to remain active in the community and with Americans for Prosperity, a conservative organization.

Caffrey expressed pride in the Township committee’s “fiscal responsibility,” citing a budget that projects no tax increases this year, following a decrease last year. 

He also pointed to renovations to both municipal swimming pools as “huge successes.

“Although they have clashed–sometimes sharply– in the past, Township Democratic chairperson Cathy Wilson said she wishes Caffrey well.

Here’s Caffrey’s full announcement:

After nearly nine years, and three successive terms, I have chosen not to seek re-election to the Morris Township Committee this fall. I will serve out my term through Dec. 31, 2017, with 100 percent of my focus on the citizens of Morris Township.

I have been honored to serve my community, and the residents as your Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Committeeman. I will always be indebted to the faith you’ve bestowed upon me to work on the issues that were important to you, and our community.

In six weeks, my oldest daughter Amanda will graduate from West Chester University and embark on a new phase of her life. My son Brian is finishing up is Sophomore year at Boston College, and my son Joe, will graduate from Morristown High School next year, and will be off to college.

My leadership role in the national organization I work for is growing, and will continue to demand more of my time and energy. Given the life changing events in my family, and professional career, it is time I move on to my next phase. I will stay active in the area in a few organizations, including being a strong conservative voice with Americans for Prosperity.

Dr. Nicole Saphier, who I have had the privilege to work with over the last couple of years, will be entering the race to fill my seat. She currently serves on our Board of Health, and Chair of the Municipal Alliance, and I am confident that she will carry on the Conservative principles the Township Committee has focused on for the nine years I have served on it.

She will be a great asset to the team, I fully support her, and she will make a terrific Township Committeewoman. I look forward to working for her this fall on her campaign.

Again, I would like to thank all residents of Morris Township. It has truly been and honor to work for you. I thank you all for your friendship, and support, and I look forward to seeing you in our community. Morris Township is a great place…it is the jewel of Morris County!

Sincerely
Dan Caffrey
Township Committee

CORRECTION: A prior version of this article listed Dan Caffrey as mayor. He is former mayor. Bruce Sisler now serves as mayor.