Committee majority hangs in balance

The political majority on the Morris Township committee is up for grabs this election, with incumbents from both parties seeking re-election.

Republican Mayor H. Scott Rosenbush and Democratic Committeeman Jeffrey Grayzel, frequent opponents at public meetings, both seek re-election. They are joined by two political neophyte running mates, Bruce Sisler, a Republican, and Democrat Mary Marley-Reidy.

There are currently two Democrats and three Republicans on the Morris Township committee, meaning a win by Grayzel and Marley-Reidy could tip the majority to the Democrats. Likewise, if Rosenbush and Sisler are elected, only one Democrat would remain on the five-member committee.

The Republicans cited maintaining a tight, efficient budget as a top priority, while the two Democrats said they would work to open up communication between the committee and residents.

Although Morris Township taxpayers saw a mere 1.9 percent increase on the municipal portion of their tax bills last year, Rosenbush and Sisler said balancing the budget would be a challenge in the future.

Sisler said the township should look to cut costs wherever possible, including eliminating some municipal positions through attrition if an employee retires.

"If we can reduce the size of government that way, then we have to do that," Sisler said.

Rosenbush said the township will face several financial difficulties next year. The creation of a new labor union of town hall employees will mean more labor negotiations, and the township will also face increased trash tipping fees next year.

"It all comes down to conservative fiscal management," Rosenbush said. "I've done it before and will continue to do it in the future."

Rosenbush suggested sharing the township public works garage with neighboring Morristown, which must relocate its garage due to redevelopment.

Despite his call for cutting services, Sisler said he wanted to expand services for seniors, particularly health screenings....