By Mark Rosman
Staff Writer
MANALAPAN – Two Democrats and two Republicans have announced their intention to seek a pair of three-year terms on the Manalapan Township Committee this year.
Democrats Kim Rodman and Bernie Frojmovich said they will seek the seats that are currently held by Republicans Mary Ann Musich and Jordan Maskowitz. Rodman and Frojmovich will be making their first bids for seats on the township’s governing body.
Musich and Kevin Uniglicht are the Republicans who will seek the two available seats. Musich is serving as Manalapan’s mayor in 2016.
Republican Committeeman Jordan Maskowitz will not seek re-election to the governing body.
“Following serious consideration, I have decided not to seek re-election. Serving as a committeeman, deputy mayor and mayor has been an honor and a privilege. It has been great working alongside my colleagues, our employees and all of our volunteers. Words cannot express my gratitude to my family, friends and supporters over the past five-plus years and most of all, my fellow residents for giving me the opportunity to serve and continue to make Manalapan ‘a great place to live,’ ” Maskowitz said.
According to a press release from the Manalapan Democrats, Rodman lives in town with her husband and three sons. She operates a sales and marketing consulting business in Manalapan, founded a charitable organization called Manalapan Helps, serves on Manalapan’s recreation and special needs committees, and is the recording secretary for the John I. Dawes Early Learning Center Executive Committee.
“Volunteering and public service are part of my core. As a member of the Township Committee, I believe I can make an even greater difference in our township,” Rodman said in a statement.
Frojmovich lives in town with his wife and son and works for a financial institution that is based in New York City. He is affiliated with the citizens group Manalapan Strong. He has been a coach for the Manalapan Baseball and Softball Association, a member of the strategic planning committee at Temple Shaari Emeth and a volunteer mentor for the Fresh Air Fund, according to the Democrats’ press release.
Frojmovich recently addressed municipal officials at a meeting and asked them to consider forming an affordable housing committee in Manalapan. He suggested that the members of the affordable housing committee could discuss issues related to affordable housing and keep residents informed about that topic.
“We need responsible development in Manalapan that allows our local economy to grow while also preserving our unique suburban landscape,” Frojmovich said in a statement.
According to a press release from the Manalapan Republicans, Musich spent the majority of her life in business and as a senior manager at the East Brunswick Sewerage Authority. Prior to joining the Township Committee, Musich served on numerous municipal committees and, with her late husband, Anthony, raised a son in Manalapan. She is expecting a grandchild this summer.
Uniglicht, an attorney, is a member of the Manalapan Planning Board. He has served as a deputy attorney general in New Jersey, is a board member of the Jewish Business Network and has coached soccer and softball teams. Uniglicht is married and has three daughters.
Musich and Uniglicht said they are “acutely aware of the impending court orders regarding affordable housing and the potential burden these court-mandated obligations will place on Manalapan. With Manalapan Crossing
no longer in play, land use is going to be a very big factor in the upcoming election cycle. We are committed to fighting to make sure the courts do not dictate what projects get built in our beautiful town. We believe in one united Manalapan working together to find the best solutions for all residents.”
The Township Committee has a 4-1 Republican majority in 2016. Victories by Rodman and Frojmovich in November will give Democrats 3-2 control of the governing body beginning in January.
The deadline for individuals to file a nominating petition to run for the Township Committee is April 4. If no other Republicans or Democrats file to run for office, then Rodman, Frojmovich, Musich and Uniglicht will become their party’s nominees when the primary election is held in June.