Yes Millburn — Vote Yes June 16th for Non-Partisan Local Government

What a YES Vote Means

Fixing potholes, collecting garbage, plowing snow, maintaining police and fire departments, controlling overdevelopment, working with the Board of Education — none of these are about party politics. Good local government should rise above party labels. Here's what a YES vote actually changes:

Non-partisan local elections

Similar to Board of Education elections. About 43% of Millburn's registered voters are unaffiliated and currently excluded from the primary process. Non-Partisan elections give every voter an equal voice. Similar to Board of Education elections, candidates will appear on a separate line on the ballot, not on the line with other parties.

The end of outside influence

A YES vote keeps party bosses and outside organizations out of Millburn's decisions. Candidates compete on ideas and qualifications, not on who best pleases the party machine.

Easier to run for office — no primaries

Without party gatekeepers and primary elections, more talented residents can run for council. Saves time and energy, and removes rules that previously discouraged exemplary candidates.

Seven elected members instead of five

More brainpower, more representation. A larger council allows for 3-person subcommittees and distributes workload so members can develop deeper expertise.

Four-year terms, elections every two years

Constant annual elections create voter fatigue and leave officials with barely a year to govern. Staggered biennial elections allow real work to get done while still ensuring accountability.

Professional management, protected by law

The Municipal Manager position is enshrined in state law with statutory authority — not just a local ordinance. Millburn is always run by a qualified professional, not by political whims.

Clear accountability, no finger-pointing

The Council sets policy. The Manager runs operations. No more ambiguity when things go wrong — roles and responsibilities are clear and defined by state law.

New initiative and referendum powers

Residents can propose legislation or call a vote directly — formal tools to challenge egregious decisions without relying solely on elected officials. These powers don't exist today.

Let's sum up what this means to you. It means your local government will be more economical, efficient, accountable, transparent, and responsible to residents — and without the political partisan bickering that gets in the way of community.

This change does not affect taxes, schools, or daily services — it simply improves how decisions are made and who can participate.

Approximately 30% of New Jersey residents already live in municipalities that operate in this non-partisan way.

Communities like Ridgewood, Montclair, Verona, Red Bank, Cedar Grove, Belleville, Weehawken, and many more have adopted non-partisan Council-Manager government. In addition, more than half of New Jersey's residents live in municipalities governed by the Faulkner Act.

77%

of U.S. municipal governments hold non-partisan local elections

Source: Svara, Two Decades of Continuity and Change in American City Councils, National League of Cities, 2003.

57%

of U.S. municipal governments use the Council-Manager form

Source: ICMA, The Municipal Year Book 2008.

This isn't new. It's how well-run towns already govern.

In New Jersey alone: Ridgewood has done it since 1970. Verona since 1987. Montclair since 1988. Red Bank made the switch in 2023 — and council members have called the transition transformative, citing improved accountability and an end to what they described as a toxic annual election cycle.

What Officials Have Said

"Putting a partisan label on local elections does a disservice to the community, because how someone votes on local issues might be different from how they think about things nationally. By staying partisan, it potentially keeps 43%+ of voters from running because they are unaffiliated."

Mayor Frank Saccomandi

Millburn Township Committee

"Annual elections were toxic for the town. The constant election cycle created personal rifts and internal party fighting that were awful."

Councilman Ben Forest

Red Bank Borough Council (former Charter Study Commission member)

"The separation between the policy and the administration in a council-manager form of government doesn't provide just good governance, but it produces better outcomes for residents."

Greg Poff

Township Manager, Randolph Township — 25+ year career across five NJ forms of government

"Many of the challenges of the prior structure have been alleviated, and there is now a clear path to get things done in a timely manner."

Councilwoman Nancy Facey-Blackwood

Red Bank Borough Council (former Charter Study Commission Chair)

Your Neighbors Are Voting Yes

Our supporters include Democrats, Republicans, Independents, and Unaffiliated voters. Here's what they have to say.

Swipe or use arrows to see more

"On a team, you win together or you lose together. Nobody cares about party labels when you're trying to get something done. Millburn's government should work the same way. That's what a YES vote on June 16^th delivers."

Scott Redler

14-year resident, Hartshorn — Rec Commission 8 years, Rocktoberfest MC 5 years

"Local governance should be about capability, not party labels. By moving to non-partisan, biennial elections, we ensure our officials spend more time governing and less time campaigning. It's time our election system caught up with the unique needs of our community."

Deepa Krishnan

14-year resident, Glenwood

"Although a registered Democrat, I vote for the best candidates, not party labels. Results speak for themselves: Republicans gave us Complete Streets; Democrats, a poor Affordable Housing deal. Let's set aside party politics and focus on what's best for Millburn."

Lea Cruz

26-year resident, Knollwood

"Non-partisan elections reduce political tension by shifting focus from national conflicts to shared local priorities. Candidates must appeal broadly, fostering moderation and cooperation. Voters judge ideas on merit, producing responsive leaders who put our town first."

Jack Ouyang

20-year resident, Glenwood

"We are not Texas or California — we are Millburn. Local elections shouldn't follow national party politics. Nearly 50% of our voters are unaffiliated. Is it fair that only half our community decides who gets on the ballot? Vote non-partisan."

Zachary Glatt

Lifelong resident, Deerfield — Student Rep., Millburn Board of Ed 2024–25

"I am your current Mayor — I had to change my party registration just to serve Millburn. Our challenges are local, and partisanship only distracts from real solutions. I fully support this referendum. Please vote YES. Free Millburn from partisan local politics."

Mayor Frank Saccomandi

5-year resident, Hartshorn

"As a Millburn resident, I believe our township should focus on practical solutions, community needs, and broad participation. Non-partisan elections can help keep the focus on people, ideas, and accountability rather than party labels. I support voting YES for a more community-focused Millburn."

James Liu

10-year resident, South Mountain

"My support for non-partisan local elections began after learning how each party selects its candidates. Local parties currently hold too much control over who may run, shutting out many qualified residents. Opening local offices to all community members, regardless of party affiliation, is in everyone's best interest."

René Paparian

30-year resident, South Mountain — Co-Chaired Green Team, Chaired Environmental Commission

"Given the pace of development in our town, structural reform is overdue. Non-partisan elections and longer terms reduce partisan influence and allow officials more time to govern thoughtfully — rebuilding trust and fostering a more cooperative, community-focused environment."

Lijo Jacob and Joanne Thomas

5-year residents, South Mountain

"The following are personal views as a Millburn resident, not those of any organization. I fully support the Commission's recommendation: a Council-Manager government, seven members, four-year terms, non-partisan elections every two years, and a mayor elected by the council."

Jeslyn Li

17-year resident, Hartshorn

"Non-partisan elections bring people together without forcing anyone to align with a party. When local races aren't tied to labels, the focus shifts to shared priorities — education, safety, fiscal responsibility — not headlines from distant cities."

Jamie Serruto

24-year resident, Hartshorn — Township Committee member, Former BOE member

"For years, I've believed party politics don't belong in Millburn. Our Township Committee members are dedicated neighbors, yet divisiveness has grown. A non-partisan system will reduce conflict, foster collaboration, and keep the focus on Millburn's needs."

Daniel Cannon

22-year resident, Wyoming

"Non-partisan elections, four-year terms, and elections every other year will improve our local government. These changes add stability, support long-term planning, boost community involvement, and reduce voter fatigue. They limit partisan influence, so officials focus on governing thoughtfully and cooperatively."

Kenny Gantman

6-year resident, Deerfield — Director, Soccer Club; Director, PBA Local 34 Golf Outing

"We have both lived here our entire lives. We support keeping Millburn focused on local needs, not partisan politics. This referendum ensures decisions are made in the community's best interest, without outside influence. We're voting YES."

Mark and Danielle Speckhart

Lifetime residents, Deerfield

"Millburn Township already functions like a Council-Manager government. This referendum enshrines that structure in state law — formalizing the split between elected officials who set policy and a professional manager who runs operations — ensuring stability, accountability, and effective government."

Cheryl Schneider

11-year resident, Wyoming — Former Business Admin., Millburn Public Schools 2016–2025

"Vote “Yes” to give power to the people. Nobody wanted these new developments, except politicians and real estate developers. Among other things, this reform provides a mechanism for residents to vote on such developments. That's powerful."

Raj Yerasi

5-year resident, Wyoming

"I've worked across party lines and consistently focused on representing ALL residents. Our challenges are local, and partisanship only distracts from real solutions. I fully support these changes. Please vote YES."

Ben Stoller

12-year resident, Wyoming — Township Committee member

"Non-partisan elections encourage candidates to prioritize community needs over party agendas. Without party labels, voters evaluate individuals on competence and ideas, reducing polarization and fostering collaboration. The result is governance shaped by shared local interests instead of ideological battles."

John Molka

22-year resident, Glenwood

"Non-partisan elections reduce polarization, emphasize candidate merit, and broaden the pool of qualified contenders — especially among independents excluded from low-turnout primaries. This approach strengthens trust, encourages collaboration, and creates representative, community-focused leadership grounded in problem-solving rather than party labels."

Jill Galvin

23-year resident, Knollwood

"Despite my dissatisfaction with our town's trajectory, I avoided local politics for years because of the divisive environment. I ran in 2025 alongside the Charter Study ballot question, and I am confident the commissioners' recommendations will strengthen our town government."

Kris Heinrichs

15-year resident, Deerfield — BOE member 2023–2025, President 2025

"Non-partisan elections and longer terms strengthen meritocracy, ensuring leaders are chosen for competence, not party labels. These reforms broaden the candidate pool, elevate qualified residents, and create a fairer system where ideas and performance, not partisan affiliation, determine who serves."

Brian Lin

5-year resident, Short Hills Park

"After attending over 200 Township Committee meetings, we're ready for change. State and national ideology has little to do with running Millburn. Without primaries and outside influencers, and with more talented candidates, we can improve this wonderful town."

Mike and Katherine Becker

50-year residents, Hartshorn

"Removing party labels pushes voters to examine candidates' records, plans, and character. Non-partisan elections reward problem-solvers over loyalists, reduce straight-ticket voting, and broaden civic engagement — producing leaders who reflect local priorities over party ones."

Ted and Maureen Kundtz

40-year residents, Short Hills Park Historic District

"I became convinced change was needed when machine politics led prior administrations to sell the town dump for $1 and approve income-segregated housing on contaminated land. Non-partisan elections mean the best candidates run — not those handpicked to advance party agendas."

Richard Seibert

26-year resident, South Mountain — Senior Citizen Advisory Committee

"The Commission's well-researched proposal offers an essential improvement: non-partisan elections. Years of single-party rule have produced massive overbuilding of high-rise developments, pressuring our infrastructure. Let's put our community's needs first, not Trenton's. Vote YES."

Nancy Goldfeder

40+ year resident, Hartshorn — Award-winning nonfiction author

"The Charter Study Commission — comprising Democrats, Republicans, and Independents — shows what's possible when we work together for residents. These role models for our community were thoughtful and collegial in exploring all options. We will vote YES on their unanimous recommendation."

Charles and Colette Bambara

30-year residents, Poets Section

"I support a non-partisan town council in Millburn. It keeps focus on residents' needs, rather than party agendas. Ambitious members can still pursue higher office, but without the pressure to politicize decisions or let partisan incentives distort what's best for the community."

Dr. Eric Seaman

20-year resident, Deerfield

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How We Got Here

In November 2025, Millburn voters approved the establishment of a Charter Study Commission with 65.3% of the vote. Five impartial residents — Democrats, Republicans, and Independents — were elected to study our local government and recommend improvements.

YesMillburn.com is the advocacy campaign in support of the YES vote on June 16^th, 2026. For the Charter Study Commission's official process, members, and the complete Final Report, see the Charter Study Commissioners' site.

Your Charter Study Commissioners

Elected by Millburn voters in November 2025

Chris Drucker

Chair

Corey Biller

Vice Chair

Dr. Jerry Kung

Commissioner

Joanna Parker-Lentz

Commissioner

Shaunak Tanna

Commissioner

The Commission's Process

Public meetings with Zoom access

40+

Structured interviews conducted

70+

Hours of direct testimony

Years of combined governing experience interviewed

The Commission interviewed 16 current and former Township Committee members, 12 municipal department heads and senior staff, and officials from Verona, Red Bank, Randolph, Madison, Chatham, Mountain Lakes, and more.

After months of research, public input, and analysis, the Commission voted unanimously to recommend that Millburn adopt the Council-Manager form of government with non-partisan elections. On June 16, 2026, you get to decide.

Read their full recommendation →

A Message from Your 2025-2026

Charter Study Commissioners

Last November, you trusted us to study how Millburn should govern itself. We are grateful for that, and we did not take it lightly.

We came in with different instincts, different backgrounds, and different politics. We disagreed, sometimes at length. In the end, we were unanimous.

What brought us there wasn't ideology. It was evidence. It was the voices of the people who run, govern, and live in this town every day — who told us, without hesitation, that the annual partisan election cycle makes it nearly impossible to govern and causes a toxic environment. It was the fact that the current form of government cannot be reformed from the inside: the Township Committee form of government is locked into annual, partisan elections by statute, and the harm that causes to our employees and our community is not something we can fix any other way. And it was the finding that forty years of professional management — the thing that has kept this town running well — rests precariously on a local ordinance that any future majority could change.

We did not come to this conclusion lightly. Over four months, we conducted more than 40 interviews, held weekly public meetings, and listened carefully — not only to you, but also to the people who run this town every day, as well as officials from other similar NJ municipalities.

We respectfully ask for your YES vote on June 16^th.

In Their Own Words

Chris Drucker

Chair

"I served as the Commission's chair, and my job was to make sure we got this right — not to push us toward any particular answer. When you spend four months sitting with the evidence, listening to the people who actually run this town, the answer becomes clear. The structural problems are real, and you can't solve them from inside the current Township Committee form."

Corey Biller

Vice Chair

"The Township Committee form handcuffs our options. You cannot change the annual partisan election cycle. You cannot expand the governing body. You cannot give residents a direct voice through initiative and referendum. Nor can you choose between partisan and non-partisan elections. Our comprehensive study made it evident that a change is necessary. The only way out is a Faulkner Act form of government. If you want a form of government with the optionality to efficiently make changes, vote YES on the change to the Council-Manager form."

Joanna Parker-Lentz

Commissioner

"I'm going to put my money where my mouth is. If something isn't working under the new form — the mayoral selection, the governing body size, the election structure — I'll be the first to do something about it: gathering signatures, knocking on doors. I'm not going anywhere. I plan on staying in this town. And that amendment process only exists if you vote YES. That's why this vote matters."

Dr. Jerry Kung

Commissioner

"When you give people a label, something changes. They stop asking what's right for everyone and start asking what's right for their side. That's what partisan labels do to local elections — and the fault lines form before a single local issue has even been raised. That's why non-partisan change is so essential."

Shaunak Tanna

Commissioner

"Millburn has operated similarly to a Council-Manager system for over forty years, with the Township Committee already relying on a professional administrator. A “Yes” vote would formalize what works, clearly assigning legislative authority to the Council and executive authority to the Manager, improving accountability and efficiency. It also addresses structural challenges, including the strain of annual elections and a five-member committee stretched too thin. Non-partisan elections would broaden participation, encouraging more residents to step forward and run. Voters would also gain the power to propose referendums — something we currently lack. Voting “Yes” strengthens our system and moves Millburn forward."

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Millburn already has a full-time, appointed professional running day-to-day operations: the Business Administrator, hired by the Township Committee under a local ordinance. The BA already supervises department heads, manages the budget, and handles personnel — exactly the operational role a Municipal Manager performs.

This setup serves Millburn well. The problem is that it rests on a local ordinance — a structure the Township Committee can rewrite, weaken, or eliminate at any time by a simple majority vote. What works for us today exists by political grace, not by law. A future Committee with a different majority could strip authority from the role, change reporting lines, or politicize the position without any input from voters.

The Council-Manager form does not create a new layer of unelected bureaucracy. It does three specific things:

1. Renames the role from Business Administrator to Municipal Manager.

2. Codifies what already works — moving the legal foundation from a local ordinance to NJ state statute (the Faulkner Act). The position's existence, duties, and accountability no longer depend on whoever happens to sit on Council that year.

3. Clarifies the line between policy and operations — Council sets policy, Manager executes. Today, that line is blurry, and when something goes wrong it's not always clear whose responsibility it was.

Both today's Business Administrator and tomorrow's Municipal Manager are appointed (not elected), serve at the will of the elected body, and can be removed by it. What changes on June 16 is the legal foundation of the role: from something a future Committee could dismantle, to something protected by state law and by the will of Millburn voters who chose this form of government.

Statutory protection means more accountability, not less: clear duties, a clear chain of command, a clear separation between elected policymakers and operational execution — strengthening what already works in Millburn so it cannot be quietly taken away.

More to Know

Digging into the arguments. For the basics — what non-partisan means, how the Council-Manager form works, the Municipal Manager, and voting logistics — see the main FAQ above.

There's No Democratic or Republican Way to Fill a Millburn Pothole.

Public Q&A with the commissioners

What a YES Vote Means

Non-partisan local elections

The end of outside influence

Easier to run for office — no primaries

Seven elected members instead of five

Four-year terms, elections every two years

Professional management, protected by law

Clear accountability, no finger-pointing

New initiative and referendum powers

What Officials Have Said

Your Neighbors Are Voting Yes

How We Got Here

Your Charter Study Commissioners

The Commission's Process

In Their Own Words

Frequently Asked Questions

More to Know

Media

Vote Yes for Non-Partisan Government: A Vote for Millburn's Future

Vote Yes for Greater Voter Voice in Millburn

VOTE YES - JUNE 16^th

Vote in Person

Vote by Mail

Request a Lawn Sign

Questions?

Support the Campaign

There's No Democratic or Republican Way to Fill a Millburn Pothole.

Public Q&A with the commissioners

What a YES Vote Means

Non-partisan local elections

The end of outside influence

Easier to run for office — no primaries

Seven elected members instead of five

Four-year terms, elections every two years

Professional management, protected by law

Clear accountability, no finger-pointing

New initiative and referendum powers

What Officials Have Said

Your Neighbors Are Voting Yes

How We Got Here

Your Charter Study Commissioners

The Commission's Process

In Their Own Words

Frequently Asked Questions

More to Know

Media

Vote Yes for Non-Partisan Government: A Vote for Millburn's Future

Vote Yes for Greater Voter Voice in Millburn

VOTE YES - JUNE 16th

Vote in Person

Vote by Mail

Request a Lawn Sign

Questions?

Support the Campaign

VOTE YES - JUNE 16^th