Grant and O'Brien for Mendham Township Committee

On Tuesday, I am excited to vote for Brenda Grant and Patricia “Trish” O’Brien in the Mendham Township Primary.

Grant and O’Brien are running for two open seats on the Township Committee. Both women are small business owners, hard-working volunteers and proud moms with deep roots in our community.

They are not politicians. They are running to give back to a community they love. With a slogan of “Moving Mendham Forward,” Brenda and Trish want to maintain the qualities that make our small town unique. They will advocate for more open and accessible governance; a unified vision for attracting and retaining residents, and smart stewardship of our tax dollars to lower property taxes.

Both women are enthusiastic, longtime residents, who are committed to ensuring that Mendham Township remains safe, beautiful and community-oriented, as well as a fiscally sound place for us to live, raise our families and enjoy retirement.

They are focused on the local issues that face Mendham Township. They bring a fresh perspective, solid business skills and the attentiveness required to successfully resolve issues facing the Township Committee.

Trish O’Brien was energized by last year’s campaign of Township Committeewoman Amalia Duarte, who fought for rebuilding Ralston Playground as well as a greater focus and investment in recreation, including Brookside Beach.

The loss of the Ralston Playground was shocking. And, then to hear that the Township Committee did not set aside funds to rebuild it in the 2017 budget was a wake-up call for many of us including Trish, who has three young children.

Trish stepped up to help and is now a member of the newly formed Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee and is working hard to ensure the playground is opened this summer as well as helping with the 10th Annual Patriots’ Race on June 16th.

Brenda Grant has a history of helping our community. She was a force in the schools when major rehabilitation work was needed. Back then, on rainy days, there were buckets lining the hallways to catch the water.

The condition of our schools was unacceptable, and Brenda stepped up. As a builder, Grant understood what needed to be done. She organized and worked with a team of concerned parents to address the situation. A referendum was passed to repair the schools and she was instrumental in obtaining matching funds for the most recent renovations of the schools in 2002.

This is just one example of the organizational savvy and people skills that Brenda Grant will bring to the Township Committee. She will advocate for responsible stewardship and learning from the mistakes of the past. She brings three decades of construction management experience to the table.

Trish O’Brien moved to Mendham in 2009. She is an Occupational Therapist, helping children with special needs learn new skills. Her three young children are all in the Township Elementary School. Trish is an expert at understanding what people in all stages in life need and want from their communities, so that we all benefit and thrive.

Brenda and Trish’s business and life experiences are what we need on the Township Committee. They have experience in owning local businesses, raising children in Mendham, and helping with their aging parent’s concerns. This makes them an experienced team for understanding Mendham Townships’ needs for residents of all ages.

Mendham Township is ready for more new voices. Keep Mendham Moving Forward by voting for Brenda Grant and Trish O’Brien on June 5 and in the general election on November 6, 2018.