MANALAPAN – Two three-year terms on the Manalapan Township Committee will be on the ballot on Election Day, Nov. 5, but political control of the governing body will not be at stake this year.
Republicans hold a 5-0 majority on the committee. The terms presently held by Mary Ann Musich and Kevin Uniglicht will end on Dec. 31. Regardless of the outcome of the election, Republicans will have a majority on the governing body in 2020.
Candidates running for office with a political party affiliation had to file a nominating petition by April 1.
On the Republican slate, Musich and Eric Nelson have filed to run for the committee seats. Musich served as Manalapan’s mayor in 2016.
On the Democratic slate, Kathleen Williams and Amelia Rendeiro have filed to run for the committee seats. Rendeiro will be making her second bid for election to Manalapan’s governing body, having previously sought office in 2017.
A resident who wants to run for elected office as an independent candidate has until June 4 to file a nominating petition and secure a spot on the Nov. 5 ballot.
Regarding his decision not to seek re-election, Uniglicht said, “Serving on the Township Committee for the past two-and-a-half years has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
“It has not only provided me with the opportunity to give back to my community, but it has also allowed me to play a part in shaping Manalapan for years to come. Manalapan is truly a great place to live and it has been my pleasure to do my part in keeping it so for decades to come,” he said.
“While I have chosen not to run for a second term in 2019, I am confident that former mayor Musich and Mr. Nelson will do an exceptional job when they are successful this November.
“Deciding not to run was not an easy decision, because I have loved serving this town tremendously. However, I still have young children and want to dedicate the next few years to their continued growth.
“I want to thank the current Township Committee, administrators, employees, volunteers and residents for their full support. They are what make Manalapan a great place to live. I am confident I will continue to be active in Manalapan and I will not rule out a run for public office again in the not too distant future,” Uniglicht said.