Uncontested Mayor Election May Become Reality In Morristown

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Despite a primary challenge and an attempted comeback from his predecessor, Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty may now have a clear path to a fourth term. Morris County disqualified Donald Cresitello from running as an independent, which potentially sets up an uncontested General Election for Morristown mayor.

Cresitello failed to meet the statutory requirements to run for mayor of Morristown, according to the Morris County Clerk's Office. Evidence indicates that Cresitello primarily lives in Manasquan, according to officials. But Cresitello plans to challenge the ruling in Superior Court, he told Morristown Green.

The Town Council election will feature some competition though. Toshiba Foster, David Silva and Nathan Umbriac ran uncontested in the Democratic primary for council, while no Republicans filed to run.

But they'll face a challenge in Nov. 2's General Election from Michelle Dupree Harris. The county clerk's office accepted the former council president's petition to run.

Cresitello served as Morristown's mayor from 1977-81 and 2006-10. Dougherty defeated him in the Democratic primary in 2009 en route to his first term as mayor.

Dougherty defeated Democratic primary challenger Esperanza Porras-Field on June 8, with 1,139 votes to Porras-Field's 388. Read more: Tim Dougherty Wins Morristown Mayor Primary, Faces Former Foe

After declaring victory in the primary, Dougherty said he felt prepared for a rematch with Cresitello.

"I've always said and I always will say people have the right to seek office," Dougherty said. "That doesn't surprise me. He has run as a Republican and Democrat and now as an independent. The man can change his party affiliation but can never change his past record."

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