Mark Gyorfy To Become Youngest Mayor In Morris Township History

MORRIS TOWNSHIP, NJ — If Mark Gyorfy ever planned to run for president, he'd have to wait at least five years to reach the minimum age. But in the meantime, the 30-year-old is set to become the youngest mayor in the 200-plus-year history of Morris Township.

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Gyorfy and Committee Member Cathy Wilson — both Democrats — announced that they have the support of their colleagues to respectively become mayor and deputy mayor of the township. In the Township form of government, the Township Committee chooses the mayor and deputy mayor for one-year terms.

Gyorfy was born and raised in Morris Township, first getting elected to the Township Committee in 2018 at age 26. He previously served as deputy mayor and has chared the committee's Communications, Legislative, and Transportation standing committees.

He has introduced measures to address traffic concerns, protect the environment, provide for electric vehicle charging, and strengthen requirements for redevelopment proposals. Gyorfy has also been a volunteer firefighter for 12 years and continues his service with Hillside Hose Company No. 1.

“I have worked diligently with my colleagues over the past three years to bring common-sense solutions to Morris Township’s biggest challenges,” Gyorfy said. “I am looking forward to working closely with the Township Committee over the next year to continue advancing robust policy proposals to ensure our community isn’t just prepared for the future but becomes a model for local governance.”

Wilson led Morris Township as mayor in 2020, during the darkest days of the pandemic. She is noted for implementing video coverage of Township Committee meetings, expanding work on environmental initiatives and promoting informed citizen engagement on land-use and transportation issues.

Wilson was first elected to the Township Committee in 2017 and was the first female Democrat to become the township's mayor. She's a retired educator, whose 30-year career in Illinois and Michigan spanned a wide range of positions including teacher, principal, and central office administrator. Wilson has lived in Morris Township since 2007.

Gyorfy won re-election in November on a ticket with Tara Olivo-Moore, who will join the council. Olivo-Moore will take the council position of Jeffrey R. Grayzel, who's serving as mayor in 2021.

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