'Challenging' Year Ahead Of Morristown: Mayor Warns Of Economic Strife

MORRISTOWN, NJ — The Morristown Town Council kicked off 2023 by celebrating the town's growth and development in the previous year and looking ahead at potential challenges, with Mayor Tim Dougherty delivering his annual address.

Margot Kaye, the Morristown Town Clerk, opened the meeting by reading a letter from Assemblywoman Aura Dunn of the 25th Assembly District, who praised Morristown's development and referred to it as an "emerging city."

Looking ahead to 2023, Dougherty spent some time warning the public and fellow elected officials that difficult times were ahead due to inflation and rising costs caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. "2023 will see the threat to our physical health become a threat to our economic health."

During his mayoral remark, Dougherty mentioned how inflation could pose a challenge to the municipal budget as it tries to deal with the rising costs of most items, such as insurance, gas, and pensions.

"However, you have my word that we will turn over every rock to minimize the impact of the shifting economy upon our community. But that doesn't mean there won't be some difficult choices ahead. Despite these challenges, the fact is we are blessed to live in a strong nation and resilient community," Dougherty said.

State Senator Anthony M. Bucco, who was also in attendance at the meeting, echoed those thoughts and spoke briefly about Morristown's continued growth, praising the town's accomplishments and elected officials.

"Every time I come here, I have a little joke with the Mayor, and it's really not a joke because it's the truth, that my wife says to me 'can we move to Morristown?' so that will tell you exactly how we feel about the municipality and it's a result of the strong leadership that exists here," Bucco said.

Dougherty agreed that Morristown is thriving, attributing that fact to the local government. He also listed reasons why the town became even more appealing to residents in 2022, ranging from improved park amendments and open space to the new roundabout at Morris and Spring Streets.

Although economic pressures have yet to fully subside in recent years, Dougherty expressed optimism as several new businesses and corporations continue to move into town, bringing positive effects.

"Think about that. At a time when office use is declining in many other parts of New Jersey, major companies like Deloitte and Valley National Bank are moving their company headquarters to Morristown. Their presence will enrich our community and contribute significantly to our economy," Dougherty said.

The reorganization meeting also featured Sandi Mayer being elected council president, with Nathan Umbriac chosen as vice president. Both were unanimous selections.

• Reappointment to The Planning Board includes:
  • Mark Gandy
  • Joseph Kane
  • Andrea Lekberg
  • Debra Gottsleben
  • Chris Russo
• Reappointment to The Environmental Commission includes:
  • Andrew Palmer
  • Casey Ezyske
• Reappointment to Liberty Board of Trustees includes:
  • Deanna Quinones
• Reappointment to Shade Tree Commission includes:
  • Robert Norkin
• Reappointment to Historic Preservation Commission includes:
  • Enrich Morgan Huhn

Council Appointments:

• Zoning Board of Adjustment-
  • Steve Pylypchuk
  • Noelle Nish
  • Rachel Blacker, Alternate
• Parking Authority Commissioner
  • Linda Stimotto
• Rent Leveling Board
  • Deb Regan, homeowner
  • Aaron Oliver, tenant
• Housing Authority Commissioner
  • Laura Lutz