Meet Mendham Borough Council Candidate Marilyn Althoff

MENDHAM BOROUGH, NJ — With Election Day approaching, Patch is putting together a series of candidate profiles so readers can learn more about who is on their ballot.

Marilyn Althoff is a doctor and council incumbent who is running to keep one of two available seats on the Mendham Borough Council.

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Patch asked candidates to share some information about themselves and asked identical questions to all candidates.

See Althoff's responses below:

Full name: Marilyn Althoff

Town of residence: Mendham Borough

Position sought: Re-elect for Council

Party affiliation: Republican

Family: 2 grown children, went through Borough schools

Occupation: Emergency Physician

Previous or current elected/appointed office (if applicable):

- BOH Member – 3/12/2020-7/2023

- BOH President- 1/2022-7/2023

Council:

- Appointed to an unexpired term 7/24/2023-12/31/2023

2023- Served as the Chair of Public Works and Utilities and Finance Committee

2024-Elected to Council 1/1/2024-12/31/2026

Questions

1. Why are you running for this position?

I have spent my life serving my community. I believe in community service and want to continue the work that I have been doing for the public safety and well-being of our community.

2. What do you believe to be the most pressing issue in the community, and what do you intend to do about it if elected?

-Keep borough taxes reasonable while maintaining the services that residents expect

-Continue to enhance shared services agreements

-Continue with aggressive grant capture- the borough has been awarded $7.5 million in grants over the past 8 years

-Continue pay-as-you-go capital maintenance and ensure roads and facilities are maintained

3. What qualifications and qualities do you possess that make you best suited for the position?

- I believe in service and have spent my life serving my community.

- I am service-oriented and put in the time needed to get the job done.

- I have a strong focus and will continue to work hard on public safety.

- I bring deep knowledge to work with our first aid squad, PD, and FD

4. The establishment of data centers in municipalities is a contentious point of discussion among New Jerseyans. What is your stance on these controversial buildings, and how would you feel about one being built in your community?

I have concerns that a data center would clash with our historic local character and negatively affect our environment.

The massive scale and utility demands of a data center conflict with the preservation goals of our historic, rural-suburban municipality.

• Aesthetics and space: Warehouse-style architecture clashes with our quaint historic town, while the large acreage required threatens open space and environmental protection zones.
• Resource and noise strain: Continuous electrical draw and cooling needs can strain local aquifers, while heavy industrial HVAC equipment risks disturbing our community's quiet character.

5. In a few words, what is your favorite thing about your community?

What I love most about our community is the people. There is a genuine sense of neighborliness here--people look out for each other, step up when someone is in need, and take pride in where we live. That spirit makes this town special.

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Election Day Is Nov. 3