Morristown Mayoral Candidates To Debate Wednesday

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Morristown's mayoral candidates will discuss the issues in a candidate forum. The League of Women Voters of Morristown Area's virtual event starts at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Tim Dougherty is running for a fourth term as mayor, taking on Democratic primary challenger Esperanza Porras-Field. No candidate filed to run as a Republican.

Viewers can watch on the League of Women Voters chapter's YouTube channel or follow on Facebook.

Dougherty has racked up endorsements from prominent New Jersey politicians, such as Gov. Phil Murphy, Senator Cory Booker and, most recently, Rep. Mikie Sherrill.

“Confronted with the unprecedented challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, Mayor Dougherty was steadfast in his leadership of Morristown in a moment when his residents needed him most," Sherrill said in a statement.“I am proud to endorse his candidacy for reelection and look forward to continuing to work with him to deliver for the people of Morristown. Plenty of work lies ahead, but Mayor Dougherty has proven he’s ready for the challenges ahead and will always put Morristown first.”

Porras-Field, a real estate broker, has served on the Morristown Planning Board, Parking Authority and Housing Council. She and Dougherty both spoke Monday at the virtual kickoff of Morris Area Together — a nonpartisan coalition of religious organizations and nonprofits.

Porras-Field shared her plans to address housing affordability, which included increased private investment, making the process inclusive of race and socioeconomic status, increasing the supply of longterm affordable housing and creating a community advisory council for the issue.

"We need to create affordable opportunities for all income levels," Porras-Field said. "The African American population has decreased over 10 percent in the last 20 years."

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