Esperanza Porras-Field announces Morristown mayoral bid; says she’s for term limits, against ‘unethical…bullying behavior’

Morristown mayoral candidate Esperanza Porras-Field, center, flanked by daughters Hope and Christina.
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Esperanza Porras-Field, a Colombian immigrant whose American dream includes a real estate career and creation of the Morris County Hispanic-American Chamber of Commerce, on Monday said she hopes to make more history, as Morristown’s first Hispanic-American mayor.

Announcing her intention to run in the June 8, 2021, Democratic primary, Porras-Field blasted Mayor Tim Dougherty’s administration for a “culture of unethical behavior,” and said she will press for term limits.

“In order for Morristown to continue growing – families, businesses and town employees require a new support and leadership team,” Porras-Field said in a letter to voters.

Council candidate Esperanza Porras-Field at Harris slate campaign kickoff, Feb. 17, 2017. Photo by Kevin Coughlin
Esperanza Porras-Field, at kickoff of 2017 council campaign. Photo by Kevin Coughlin

“As a town, we are poised to make great strides towards the future and we MUST get it right! There are no do overs or turning back, and only an open and transparent local government will be able to ensure sustained success.”

Dougherty, a Democrat, has not yet announced if he will seek a fourth term.

“Everyone has the right to run,” the mayor told Morristown Green. “And it’s always good to see a Morristown resident take interest in government.  It has been an honor and privilege to serve as mayor of our great community. I will make my decision shortly.”

Dougherty’s decision comes as his wife Mary awaits sentencing for a campaign finance violation during her 2018 Morris County freeholder bid. The state dropped a bribery charge in exchange for a guilty plea, in a broader corruption investigation involving a Morristown tax attorney.

Morristown has undergone rapid growth–despite a recession and a pandemic– during Dougherty’s tenure, consistently landing on lists of New Jersey’s most desirable downtowns.

The mayor has pointed to a string of zero-increase municipal budgets, a landmark tax settlement with Morristown Medical Center, and the popular Morristown Jazz & Blues Festival among his accomplishments.

Antonio Cardona holds proclamation, with Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty and Hope Field Esperanza Porras-Field from the Morris County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, at the Morristown library. Photo by Marion Filler
Antonio Cardona holds proclamation, with Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty and Hope Field and Esperanza Porras-Field from the Morris County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, at the Morristown library in 2018. Porras-Field is running for mayor in 2021. Photo by Marion Filler

Porras-Field, who ran for council unsuccessfully in 2017, took aim at “pay to play development and professional services contracts,” and at perceived government inefficiency and “expensive litigation costs.” At least three developers are suing the town.

Additionally, she accused the mayor of “bullying behavior to anyone with the slightest difference of opinion.”

She said she will push for tighter fiscal oversight, “responsible and sustainable growth,” and shared recycling- and recreational services with neighboring towns. She pledged to address high property taxes, and “PILOT” tax abatements that have enabled developers to bypass local school taxes.

Porras-Field also wants a community center, a more “pedestrian friendly” downtown, bike lanes and ride-sharing bicycle programs, and dog parks.

“Preserving a quality of life that is affordable to all and one that supports every resident of Morristown” is a priority, she stated.

A town resident since 1989, Porras-Field has served on the planning board, the town Democratic committee, and the Morristown Parking Authority. She is the founder of the county Hispanic-American Chamber of Commerce.

She ran for council in the 2017 Democratic primary on the mayoral ticket of former Morristown Council President Michelle Dupree Harris. Dougherty’s slate won handily.

The 10th of 12 children in Bogota, Colombia, Porras-Field came to America as a college student, began real estate practices in Union City and Morristown, and raised two daughters. She is a graduate of St. Peter’s University, and president and CEO of HopeSeasons LLC, a business and real estate consulting firm.

“When I was younger, I vividly remember driving through this beautiful and diverse community, looking for office space to start my own real estate agency – a dream of mine since I was very young,” Porras-Field said in her letter.

“I envisioned Morris County would be where me and my two daughters, Hope, Christina would relocate. Morristown, with its rich history and charm, ideal geographic location and strong community ideals, became that “New Home.”

 

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3 COMMENTS

  1. Thanks for your kind words, Esperanza, and my best wishes to you. However, I do not support or endorse any candidates.

  2. Dear Keven:

    “Standing Together for Hope”. Thank you kindly for your excellent coverage on my candidacy for mayor. The positive news article that you created is the perfect introduction to my platform and vision. I am passionate about the community and I’m grateful to you for sharing my story and allowing my voice to be heard. Your ongoing dedication and support to our community shows that you know what it means to LIVE UNITED. Your investment in advancing the common good inspires hope and creates opportunities for a better tomorrow. Thank you for being part of the change by supporting “Esperanza” for Mayor. Let’s make history together!

  3. As a person who grew up in Morristown and who is blessed with so many wonderful memories, I hope that whoever directs the town , keeps an eye on both the future and the past.
    Morristown ,the great county seat of Morris County ,has such a rich and interesting history.
    It would be great to see a real balancing act that could combine the rich past with the fast moving present, and future.
    The town has always been a great walking town. Pedestrian safety should also be a priority.
    More retail shops could fill some needs here too.

    If all of the powers that be really united and worked in unison ,that would make sense. That could and should happen. Why not?

    The Green the center piece of the town, should ideally reflect and display the transition of times and place. From the American Revolution ,along with the Father of our country George Washington our history matters. Few places in NJ offer this background.

    Morristown has been called the “Capital of the American Revolution. “ There is a reason why .
    Please build on our greatness so we can be an even nicer place to spend time in.
    Those of us who love Morristown have to help protect , preserve and develop it.
    People will make the decisions about the quality of life in town. Who gets picked to steer the ship is up to us. Please keep On caring. Your voices do matter.

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