Election 2022: Melissa Young For Mendham Borough Council

MENDHAM, NJ — Candidates are set for the Mendham Borough Council race on the Nov. 8 ballot.

In anticipation, Patch sent questionnaires to each of the candidates vying for the open seats on the Council, asking them to share facts about themselves and why voters should choose them to represent the local community.

The responses received will get published between now and Election Day.

Here are candidate Melissa Young's answers below:

• Name: Melissa Young
• Age: 54
• Town of residence: Mendham Borough
• Position sought: Mendham Borough Council
• Party affiliation: Democratic
• Family: Single mother of twins

• Education: BA Sociology
• Occupation: Training & Development; not currently working professionally
• Previous or current elected appointed office: None

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am running because representation matters. There are over 1200 registered democrats living in Mendham Borough who deserve a voice on the Council. I believe that different perspectives lead to greater innovation and productivity. With a politically diverse Council that encourages more voices to speak up, we would have more accountability and more dynamic conversations about the best ways to make Mendham Borough even better than it already is.

If elected, what do you hope to accomplish while serving on the council?

I want the Council to be transparent and accessible. I want residents to be engaged and informed about their town. Other areas of focus include green energy initiatives, supporting small businesses, evaluating infrastructure needs, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion in Mendham Borough.

What do you think is the most pressing issue facing residents right now and what do you intend to do about it?

Mendham Borough still has commercial buildings that have sat vacant for too long and there are sidewalks and streets that need improvement, but before tackling these things we first need to make some changes to the Council. It’s time to bring a new perspective to the conversation about how to preserve our town's history, improve the things that need fixing, and continually work towards a stronger community.

Critically, we need a transparent and accessible local government. My running mates and I are proposing a Council where meetings are proactively recorded and shared on Mendham TV, a dialogue with residents is encouraged during meetings, and a variety of media platforms are used to communicate frequently and about all topics affecting the town.
We need dynamic leadership to engage with the community and encourage frank conversations about what we want to do in Mendham Borough. Successful local government must adhere to the pillars of transparency, access, and accountability. That is a current challenge that must be addressed.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence that you can handle this job?

My business background in sales, training, and strategic development has honed strong communication, analytical, and strategic thinking skills. I’ve spent a career collaborating and finding solutions for long and short-term goals through my ability to engage with a variety of people and find common ground for productive discussions.

Since moving to Mendham 10 years ago, I have become increasingly involved in the community. I volunteered for the HSA, was the Co-President of Mendham High School Music Boosters, and wrote about creative community members and other topics for Mendham Neighbors magazine. I teach Cribbage monthly and started the Mendhams Jigsaw Puzzle Swap before it moved to the Borough Library. I am currently on the Board of Health and the Mendham Borough Library Board. I am also a member of the Stigma Free Task Force and the Mendhams Diversity Committee. Since moving to Mendham, I have been committed to working with different people in town for the better of the community and I would love the opportunity to continue doing so as a Councilwoman.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

It is vitally important for voters to know who you are and what you stand for. Transparency and access isn’t just for the Council, it is also for Candidates.

For months my running mates and I have provided a website, Facebook page, and Instagram account where you can learn about us and our platform. We have answered questions for newspapers and the Vote411.org website where voters can educate themselves before committing to a candidate. We have been out speaking to members of the community to hear what is important to you. We encourage anyone and everyone to reach out via email at melissaformendham@gmail.com to ask us any questions, challenge us on our positions, and connect to better understand each other.

We have been demonstrating what we bring to the table and why you should vote for us. Working to earn your votes has been a privilege. Now we are asking for your support to bring a new perspective to Council. Please vote for Melissa3 for Mendham!