MILLSTONE – One Democrat and two Republicans have announced their intention to seek two three-year terms on the Township Committee in Millstone Township this year.
Democrat Ivette Fagundo and Republicans Gary Dorfman and Nancy Grbelja will seek the nomination of their respective political party in the June 5 primary for the right to square off in the November general election. Dorfmand and Grbelja currently serve on the committee and are seeking re-election.
Dorfman, who is serving as mayor this year, has been a member of the governing body since 2010. He has been responsible for product management and business development in the technology and banking industries and is currently an account executive for a business process solutions company.
“I am seeking re-election because I feel very fortunate to raise my family in a town like Millstone,” Dorfman said. “I became involved in the community by volunteering in school, recreation and zoning master plan related activities. I started to look at some things that could be done to help improve our town and decided to become more involved. I have used my professional experience in finance, management and process re-engineering on behalf of Millstone.
“Today, Millstone has a very efficient government, stable taxes, many community programs and is a beautiful residential community,” he said. “We have worked to develop strong, effective relationships with our county and state representatives, and they respond to us on behalf of the town’s needs.
“On May 16, I will be enacting the 2018 municipal budget and am happy to say the municipal tax rate will remain the same. No programs will be reduced and we increased our expenditure into the roads program. I am proud of my role in making that happen and hope to continue to serve,” Dorfman said.
Fagundo is making her first bid for public office. She has been employed by school districts and is a volunteer for Democrat Jim Keady’s congressional campaign.
“I have lived in Millstone for over 20 years and I raised my daughter here,” Fagundo said. “I have been employed in school districts and worked for major companies for the last 30 years. I was inspired to run this year because I believe we need different perspectives to collaborate in local government.
“Many people running today in local government are first-time candidates and women. We live in and love the towns we raised our children in and want to do more to improve our community. I am also a volunteer for the Jim Keady for Congress campaign and he has inspired non-voters and recruited independent voters who agree with us on key issues,” she said.
Grbelja, who is serving as deputy mayor this year, has been a member of the governing body since 2004 and is the longest-serving member of the Township Committee. She is employed by the New Jersey Education Association, where she has worked for 25 years.
“Over the last 20 years, Millstone Township has become an integral part of my life,” Grbelja said. “Its rural character, quality of life, abundance of natural resources and affordability are unique and attractive to those who choose to reside here.
“Our hard work and persistence to preserve open space and farmland, keep taxes low, and provide an environment educationally challenging and safe for children are most important.
“As time passes, the challenges we are faced with may change, but I believe that with my knowledge and experience, I still have a lot to offer that would benefit our township,” she said.
Republicans hold all five seats on the Township Committee.