MANALAPAN, NJ — Candidate Teresa Morrison is running for election to the Township Committee in the General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
In November, Morrison (D) will run for one of two open full-term seats on the committee.
Morrison will run against incumbents Susan Cohen (R) and John "Jack" McNaboe (R).
Ahead of the election, Patch posed several questions to Morrison about her campaign platform, experience and what sets her apart from other candidates running. Her replies are below.
Editor's Note: The following article contains information about one of the candidates running for the Manalapan Township Committee in 2026. Responses are written as received by Patch and only edited for style.
Patch has contacted all other candidates in this race with the same questions and will post replies as they are received.
Are you running for election in Manalapan? Contact Sara Winick at sara.winick@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Patch.
Teresa Morrison
Age: 52
Town of Residence: Manalapan
Education: Rutgers School of Law — Newark
Occupation: Review Manager at KLDiscovery
What drove you to seek public office?
What drove me to seek public office is simple: a desire to give back to the community that my family is proud to call home. My family chose Manalapan because of its strong schools, welcoming neighborhoods, and sense of community. As we've built our lives here and raised our daughter, I've become increasingly aware of how important local government is in preserving the qualities that make our town special.
I have been fortunate throughout my life to benefit from communities that invested in their residents and created opportunities for others to succeed. That experience, combined with the values instilled in me through education and professional career, has reinforced my belief that those who have been given opportunities have a responsibility to contribute in return. The principle of Noblesse Oblige —"to whom much is given, much is expected" — has long guided my approach to service and leadership.
I am not running because of a single issue. I am running because I care deeply about Manalpan's future and believe this is a pivotal time for our community. Residents want responsible spending, thoughtful development, open communication, and leadership that puts the interests of the community first. I want to be part of the solution by bringing a fresh perspective, a collaborative approach, and a commitment to listening to residents.
Most importantly, I am running because I want to help ensure that the next generation, including my daughter, has the same opportunities, strong sense of community, and quality of life that attracted my family to Manalapan.
Public service is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference, and I am ready to dedicate my time, energy, and experience to serving the residents of our township.
What sets you apart from the other candidates?
What sets me apart is that I'm not running as a career politician. I'm a resident, parent, and community member who wants to give back and bring a fresh perspective to local government.
My professional experience has taught me how to solve problems, work collaboratively, and make thoughtful, accountable decisions. I believe effective leadership starts with listening, building consensus, and focusing on practical solutions, not politics.
Most importantly, I'm invested in Manalapan's future and committed to ensuring residents have a strong voice in the decisions that affect our community.
What are past accomplishments or experiences that make you qualified for this position?
My qualifications for the position come from a combination of professional experience, community involvement, and public service.
Throughout my career, I have developed strong skills in problem-solving, collaboration, project management, and thoughtful decision-making. I also served as a legal consultant on an advisory team to a councilperson, which gave me firsthand insight into local government and public policy.
Combined with my experience as a parent, homeowner, and resident invested in Manalapan's future. I am prepared to bring a practical, collaborative, and community-focused approach to the Township Committee.
If elected, what will be your top priorities in your new role?
If elected, my top priorities will be managing growth thoughtfully, responsible budgeting, and ensuring residents have a stronger voice in local government.
I will focus on pursuing opportunities to improve efficiency and making decisions that preserve the character and quality of life that make our community special.
I also believe transparency and communication are essential, and I will work to ensure residents are informed, heard, and actively engaged in the decisions that shape Manalapan's future.
Name one thing about Manalapan that always makes you smile.
Whether it's cheering on kids at a school event, a neighbor dropping off overnight oats because they know you like them, chatting with parents at the school bus stop, meeting friends at a community event, or simply catching up with one another around town, it's the strong sense of community in Manalapan that always makes me smile.
It's what brought my family here and what makes this town a special place to call home.
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