Matt Dvorin is among the candidates running for a seat on the West Orange Town Council in November 2026. (Photo by Lisa Whiteman)
WEST ORANGE, NJ — A candidate who says he "isn't running as a politician" has thrown his hat into the ring for a town council seat in West Orange.
Matt Dvorin is among the candidates running for the West Orange Town Council in the 2026 general election this November. Learn more about his campaign platform and background here.
Dvorin is a Rutgers University alum and graduate of CUNY Baruch College's master of public administration program. He works as a paralegal at an academic medical center in New York City, where he specializes in health research compliance and contract analysis.
Now, he's looking to parlay that experience into a spot on the town council.
Here are some of the things he has planned if elected, Dvorin told Patch:
Establish a sewer utility – Sewer bills should pay for sewers. Our stormwater infrastructure has to work, and we need to plan for the added stress climate change will put on it. We should untether sewer fees from the general fund, set up a dedicated utility, and invest in our infrastructure for the long term.
Spend carefully – The council controls the municipal portion of the property tax bill, and it shouldn't rubber-stamp a budget because that's how it's always been done. I will also work with the mayor and fellow council members to make sure the budget is completed on time.
Bring more businesses downtown – I'll do whatever is possible to fill our storefronts, starting with a business liaison who serves as a single point of contact between new businesses and the town. That person would guide owners through permitting, inspections, and zoning so no one gets lost between departments. A vibrant downtown strengthens our tax base and gives residents more reasons to spend time and money in West Orange.
Plan ahead on housing – I'd make hiring a town planner and adopting a comprehensive master plan a priority. We've debated density for decades, and West Orange has obligations under state law. We should decide what our town looks like, not leave it to developers and courts.
Protect the commuter jitney – It's a real lifeline for residents, and I'd expand it where the demand justifies it. If the council ever institutes user fees, as they are currently discussing, those fees should be modest and fall on commuters, not on seniors or people with disabilities who depend on the service.
Scrutinize contracts – Taxpayers shouldn't be left cleaning up the mess from poorly written agreements years later.
Protect our neighbors – ICE is going after immigrant families, and hate is surging against Jews, Black residents, Muslims, and trans people. The town should take active measures to protect our assailed neighbors.
"I'm not running as a politician or as a stepping stone to higher office," Dvorin said. "I'm running because local government matters and because I believe in principles before personalities."
"I believe government works only when you can bring people along, which takes listening and working with people you don't always agree with," Dvorin said. "I won't claim to have all the answers, but I promise to serve with humility, dedication and honesty."
>> Are you a local candidate running for office in West Orange? Send campaign updates and news releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com