Contested Primary Kicks Off In Washington Township

LONG VALLEY, NJ - Two seats are available on the township committee and three Republicans want them, setting up a showdown on June 8.

Currently serving Republicans Kenneth Short and Bill Roehrich are looking for another term while Joanne Schlesinger is hoping for a crack at the dais as all three are hoping to secure their party's nomination in June.

The winning duo will go on to face a lone Democrat, Michael Brunken, looking for a three-year term of his own.

Under the Township form of government there is no direct election of mayor. Under the current township government laws, voters elect, at-large, the township committee comprising three or five members. The elections are partisan and the committee members serve staggered three-year terms. The township committee elects the mayor for a one-year term. The mayor serves as chair of the township committee and has powers vested in the mayor's office by general law.

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