Two More Candidates Will Run For 2 Millburn Township Committee Seats

MILLBURN, NJ — Millburn Deputy Mayor (and former mayor) Dianne Eglow has teamed up with former Planning Board member David Morrow to run as independents for the two open seats on the Township Committee in November.

They will face two Republicans, Oyin Owolabi and Michael Rozansky, as well as the two winners of the Democratic primary held in June, Michael H. Cohen and Annette Romano.

Eglow acknowledged that she's a registered Democrat. Morrow said he's a registered independent.

“I am running independently as a local citizen, for a local election to address local issues,” said Eglow. “Having served six years on the Township Committee, I am committed to the best outcomes for our residents and businesses.”

The two said that they were prompted to run, in part, by the debate over the all-affordable housing project at 9 Main St., part of a settlement to meet the town's longstanding state affordable housing mandate.

Eglow and others have argued that the complex will segregate low-income people in that part of town, among other issues. (READ MORE: 'Emergency Meeting' Will Address Millburn Affordable Housing Mandate)

Morrow said, “After reviewing the Fair Share Center housing settlement, I was alarmed by how poorly this supposedly ‘planned’ project was executed without appropriate compensation for the town, a thorough traffic study; a comprehensive environmental review; or school education board enrollment projections."

A release about the pair's platform said, "During her two terms on the Township Committee, Eglow has not been afraid to go against the majority and question the status quo. Accomplishments include spearheading the removal of 'flex parking'on Millburn Avenue and returning traditional sidewalks to the main thoroughfare. In addition, she expedited the installation of the new Library turf field, started Millburn’s YouTube channel and has served on the majority of Township Committee boards."

The team’s platform includes:

• Creating an independent and locally focused governing body that is free from county, state and national political party affiliation and expectations.
• Fostering sensible development with a smart, holistic and well thought out plan with community input, that responsibly embraces addressing inclusive affordable housing requirements.
• Providing responsive leadership that listens and supports a transparent and inclusive decision making process.

The two seats are open on Millburn's five-member Township Committee. Each year, the committee chooses a mayor and deputy mayor from among themselves.

Read about the other candidates in the race here, and watch for future coverage on Millburn Patch.