Election 2022: Millburn Township Council Candidate Annette Romano

MILLBURN, NJ — Election Day is coming up, and Patch sent out questionnaires to all candidates seeking local public office.

The Millburn Township Committee election will be held on Nov. 8. Two seats on the five-member committee are up for election that day.

Six people are running for the two seats. You can vote for any two candidates, even though they are running on tickets.

Among the big issues this year: How Millburn will meet its state affordable housing mandate. READ MORE: Emergency Meeting' Will Address Millburn Affordable Housing Mandate

We asked each candidate four serious questions and a more creative question. Here is the candidate profile for Annette Romano.

Name: Annette Romano

Campaign website (if applicable): None listed

Age: 57

Education: Bachelors of Science in Human Resources Management

Family information: Married, 3 children attended Millburn Township Public Schools

Occupation: Human Resources Administrator - NJ TRANSIT

Other sources of income: None listed.

Does anyone in your family work in government or politics? https://essexcountynj.org/coun...

Volunteer work and community positions: I have been involved in politics my entire adult life. I am not going to say that it's not a job because it takes a great deal of time. I do it because I care about my community, but I receive no compensation for it. I have been the Millburn-Short Hills Democratic Committee Chairwoman for the past 7 years. When I took over the Township Committee was composed of 5 Republican Township Committee members and zero Democrats. With the hard work of myself and many others, it is now 5 Democrats and zero Republicans. Hopefully it will stay that way. Our Family has had a long history of civil and public service.

Volunteer work and community positions: Currently serve on Local Assistance Board & Senior Citizen Advisory Board, Founder & Manager Millburn Township Food Pantry

Other experience and elected offices: Chairwoman Millburn-Short Hills Democratic County Committee, Essex County Democratic Committee Executive Board

What is the best thing about Millburn, and what are some things you believe should be improved?

The best thing about Millburn-Short Hills is its residents. We have a very diverse, inclusive community, this is why I’ve never left, and my husband and I chose to raise our family here. While we are diverse and inclusive there’s always room for improvement. If elected I hope to bring civility back to our TC meetings. The bickering that takes place on the dais is unacceptable. Residents are entitled to their opinions and have a voice as long as everyone remains respectful.

What makes you uniquely qualified to serve in this position?       

I’ve lived in this town my entire life. I’ve also been following township government for years. I founded and run the township's food pantry. I fight for people with food insecurities each and every day. I know how things work locally on the county level, and on the state level. I’ve also met a lot of people over the years and have a relationship with our elected officials. When we, as a township, need assistance from the county or state I’ve already developed those relationships and know who to contact. For instance, when we found out the former Saks property will house over 300 units that will affect our commuters at the train station, I immediately put our committee in touch with NJTRANSIT. I don’t think any of our opponents can do that. 3. With which political party are you registered?

How much do you think political party, and national politics, should matter in the local race, and why?       

I am a proud Democrat and have been all of my adult life. All politics are local. As a Democrat I’m honored to share Essex County’s Democratic slogan, just as my Republican opponents do by running on the Republican line, except I embrace it. I don’t run away from it and try to confuse the voters. What happens nationally affects what’s going on locally. The Essex County Democrats and the NJ State Democratic Committee all support one another.

How do you think Millburn should best meet its affordable housing obligation? Also, do you believe the amount of affordable housing mandated by the state is enough, too little, or too much?

The Township Committee voted unanimously last year on the current settlement. I don’t think anyone is happy with the terms of the settlement, I say, new judge, new plan. I was not a fan of the attorney who negotiated this settlement. Perhaps a different attorney will do better. Right now, it is in the hands of the courts as we wait to see what’s next. I propose that we come up with a comprehensive plan, that we start a citizens advisory committee to get input from all neighborhoods. We need to meet our obligation. We are an inclusive community, but we can’t be bullied by Fair Share Housing. The past Republican township committee, that Republican Chairwoman Mary Mcnett served on for 12 years, instead chose to kick the can down the road and not address it. This is why we’re in the mess we’re in now. If elected, I will work with our legislatures and the state to work to make the process fairer for us.       

Just to have a more offbeat question and learn more about you: If you could donate just one book to the newly renovated Millburn library, which book would you donate, and why?       

It would be Tuesdays with Morrie, as it teaches you to stay positive during life’s most difficult times but also how the act of forgiveness is one of life’s most important lessons to forgive others but also to forgive yourself.