Chatham Borough, Township Set For Uncontested Primary Elections

CHATHAM, NJ — Chatham Borough Council and Chatham Township Committee are set for uncontested primary elections June 8.

The borough council has two seats available, while the township committee has one. That's how many candidates in each party filed petitions to run in the Republican and Democratic primaries. So barring unforeseen complications, they're all set to make the general-election ballot.

Incumbents Jocelyn Mathiasen and Carolyn Dempsey will run on the Democratic ticket for borough council. Dempsey currently serves as council president. Freddie Bicknese and Patrick Grady comprise the Republican slate.

On the township side, Democrat Kathy Abbott and Republican Daniel Bevere each filed to run for Tracy Ness's seat. Ness — appointed mayor this year — will step down after her term because of growing personal and professional obligations. She endorsed Abbott.

Chatham Township's election will determine which major party holds a 3-2 majority on the council next year. Currently, Democrats hold the slim majority.

Patch will provide more information on the candidates as the elections near.

Thanks for reading. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Have a news tip you'd like to share? Or maybe you have a press release you would like to submit or a correction you'd like to request? Send an email to josh.bakan@patch.com.

Subscribe to your local Patch newsletter. You can also have them delivered to your phone screen by downloading, or by visiting the Google Play store. You can also follow the Chatham Patch Facebook page.