Newark School Board Member Is Running For County Commissioner

NEWARK, NJ — A member of the Newark Board of Education has officially thrown her hat into the ring for a spot on the Essex County Board of Commissioners.

On Tuesday, A'Dorian Murray-Thomas announced the launch of her campaign for the commissioner board in 2023. She is running for a seat in District 2, which includes Newark (parts of South and Central Wards), Irvington and Maplewood.

Murray-Thomas is running unopposed for the Democratic Party nomination in the primary election on June 6. No Republican candidate filed to run in the primary.

• See Related: Essex County Primary Election (Here Are The Commissioner Candidates)

At 23-years-old, Murray-Thomas became the youngest woman ever elected to the Newark school board. If she is elected to the commissioner board, it would mean a premature end to her current tenure on the Newark Board of Education, which is slated to expire in 2025, she told Patch.

“If elected, unfortunately I would be unable to serve in both roles,” Murray-Thomas said.

She added that it’s important to note the transition would not end her involvement in education in Newark.

“To the contrary, it would heighten it, giving me new ways to advocate and create opportunities for our youth and families,” Murray-Thomas said. “From housing, to parks and recreation, to crime and safety, the issues that affect children’s lives often have roots outside the classroom, and serving in this role is a great opportunity to be a champion for improving the lives and well-being of our community.”

• See Related: Newark Woman Rises From Tragedy To Become ‘Symbol Of Hope’

The Essex County Board Of County Commissioners has several powers, including approval of the annual operating and capital budgets (property taxes in New Jersey are made up of three parts: school, municipal and county). Other powers include passing ordinances and resolutions, overriding a veto of the county executive and conducting investigations.

Terms on the commissioner board last for three years.

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