Morristown GOP candidates put rent and affordability at center of campaign

By Ellen S. Wilkowe

Affordability is shaping up a central theme of New Jersey’s gubernatorial race, and Morristown’s Republican candidates for mayor and council drilled down recently on what they see as the heart of the problem: Rising rents.

“There hasn’t been attention to this particular segment,” said Bruce Meringolo, the GOP mayoral candidate and former Long Hill Township mayor and council member. “Sixty-three percent of Morristown residents rent.”

Meringolo was joined Friday by council hopefuls Celeste Kaitsa, Aaron (A.J.) Oliver, and Andrew DeLaney. Kaitsa previously ran in 2017; Oliver is a Bronze Star recipient and former local Democratic chairman; and DeLaney is the son of the late Mayor Jay DeLaney. All three said their own experiences as renters give them a direct stake in addressing costs.

“Affordability is a major issue,” said Oliver, who returned to Morristown in 2019 after Army service. “I have classmates who can’t afford to live here.”

Kaitsa, who moved to Morristown in 2016, echoed that sentiment. “Like you guys, I rent myself,” she said. “That $400 stipend from ANCHOR goes a long way.”  Short for Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters, ANCHOR offers payments to homeowners and tenants.

Meringolo faces four-term Democratic incumbent Tim Dougherty and Independent Andrea Lekberg in the mayoral race. Democratic incumbents Toshiba Foster, David Silva and Nathan Umbriac seek re-election to at-large council seats.

RENTS, TAXES AND UTILITIES

The GOP candidates gathered at the Morristown Masonic Center to address a small but engaged audience of mostly long-time renters, many on fixed incomes. A slide presentation outlined statistics, resources and ideas: Lease-to-buy incentives, higher affordable-housing set-asides, accessory dwelling unit conversions, parking vouchers, and a proposed rental advisory board.

According to the presentation, the average one-bedroom in Morristown rents for $2,325 a month; overall, average rents this year range from $2,846 to $3,074. “A large portion of income goes into rent and then utilities, groceries, parking,” said Meringolo. “It’s astronomical.”

The discussion spilled into statewide concerns, including electric bills that spiked 17 to 20 percent over the summer. Meringolo tied that issue to GOP gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli’s proposals to bring down costs by revisiting clean-energy commitments.

AUDIENCE CONCERNS

Audience members added their own frustrations. One woman on fixed income said she hasn’t seen an electric bill under $100 in months. A First Ward renter urged the Republicans to work with Independent Councilman Robert Iannaccone, known for tenants’ rights advocacy.

Criticism also landed on Mayor Dougherty, with residents citing this year’s 11 percent property tax increase and lingering fallout from the privatization of the Morristown Housing Authority.

Realtor Edward France, a Morristown native and Washington Borough councilman, said both seniors and young professionals are being priced out. “They’re making $150K and have a credit score of 800, but then there’s student loans, car loans and bills. It’s hard to plant roots in the community.”

PITCH FOR CHANGE

Longtime renter Will Draper, incoming president of the Morristown Rotary Club, said he has tracked his household expenses rising steadily in recent years. He hopes to retire in Morristown—but only if costs stabilize.

The Republican slate cast themselves as agents of that change. “This community needs a voice and a rental advisory board to open a dialogue around the issues,” Meringolo said.

Added Oliver: “We want to bring down costs so people who grow up here can afford to stay.”

And Meringolo promised voters will see more of them before November: “We are out there knocking on doors on a regular basis. We want to see what you have to say.”