Key Local Priorities and Platform
With the Mendham Borough Republicans, you’re electing leadership rooted in truth, local planning expertise, and community trust.
We support proactive, responsible planning that aligns with Mendham Borough’s Master Plan. We support the governing body’s goal to meet state-mandated obligations while preserving local zoning control, protecting Mendham’s small-town character, and limiting inappropriate high-density development.
Let’s be clear: the astronomical housing mandates imposed on towns like ours are the direct result of legislation passed by New Jersey Democrats in Trenton—laws that strip municipalities of planning authority and push aggressive, one-size-fits-all mandates with no regard for local infrastructure, scale, or community input.
Mendham Borough Republicans remain committed to upholding the integrity of our town while navigating these state-imposed obligations with strength, transparency, and local control at the forefront.
The Mendham Borough Republicans uphold a proven “pay-as-you-go” approach. The governing body has consistently maintained low debt levels and stable property taxes. Unlike opponents who speak in hypotheticals, we deliver real financial discipline that protects residents from surprise tax hikes and risky borrowing.
Our land-use approach remains unapologetically protective: we preserve Mendham’s historic districts, important cultural architecture, and environmentally sensitive land. We support targeted open-space acquisitions and conscious planning.
Public safety isn’t just a talking point, it’s a responsibility. The Mendham Borough Republican Committee is unwavering in our support for the dedicated individuals who protect our residents every day. That includes ensuring the long term strength and sustainability of our Police Department, Volunteer Fire Department, and Volunteer First Aid Squad.
Fact Check: Setting the Record Straight
| Issue | Democrat's Claim | The Facts |
|---|---|---|
| Master Plan | “Mendham has no Master Plan.” | False. Mendham Borough adopted its first Master Plan in 1951, with a full update in 2006 and formal reexamination reports adopted in 2016, 2020, and 2025. The Borough’s Housing Element and Fair Share Plan (HEFSP) is fully compliant with NJ’s Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL). |
| Transparency | “We’ll make MendhamNJ.org an information hub and post Council meeting recordings.” | Already happening. Council agendas,resolutions, and meeting materials areproperly noticed and publicly available at https://www.mendhamnj.org/. Meeting Minutes are posted regularly. The current governing body supports full public access and continues to improve digital transparency. |
| V-Fee Development | “Current officials failed to plan for affordable housing mandates.” | Misleading. In 2020, the Borough reached a court-approved settlement to protect against a builder’s remedy lawsuit and preserve zoning control. The site was rezoned to allow 75 residential units only as a permitted use, not a pre-approved development. The proposed project was still subject to full application review, public hearings, traffic and environmental impact analysis, and all Borough and MLUL standards. The governing body is actively fighting this legislation in court, while also making provisions in its Fourth-Round plan to minimize high-density development and remain compliant. |