New Candidate Vies For Morristown Council Seat

A new face is entering the Morristown Council primary race after Councilman Kevin Gsell dropped out of the running because he will be moving from Morristown. 

Michael Pooler, the former chairman and current member of the Morristown Planning Board, has announced his candidacy for the Morristown Town Council At-Large seat.

A long-time Morristown resident, Pooler is actively campaigning as one of several candidates vying for the three open seats in the Democratic primary election June 4. Council President Michelle Dupree Harris and Councilwoman Toshiba Foster are running to retain their seats and face challenges from Pooler, Jessica Williamson and Tom Alexander.

“As a member of Morristown’s Planning Board and as an active civic volunteer for the past 15 years, I have vigorously worked for positive change in our town,” Pooler said. “After consulting with my family and close friends, I am now seeking to extend that change by seeking your support in my pursuit of higher office. I want to bring fresh ideas and continued accountability to the Morristown Town Council by running for the Councilmember-At-Large position.” 

If elected, Pooler said he pledges to focus on updating town-development ordinances, traffic issues, affordable housing and more community, cultural and youth programs.  

“I have always been concerned about citizen representation no matter if the issue is related to public safety, business, culture or quality of life. I believe no matter the situation, meaningful dialogue leads to cooperative solutions. I want to extend my core beliefs—the value of government transparency, educating the public and restoring trust in public officials—by first making sure our citizens know their opinions matter,” Pooler said. 

Pooler ran unsuccessfully for the Ward 3 council seat in 2011.

He assembled a grassroots organization to assist him in organizing several neighborhood canvassing events, meet-and-greets, candidate coffee chats and other outreach activities.   

His campaign manager is local resident David Burke; fellow Planning Board member Joe Kane is the campaign treasurer; Madison Tatum is the Pooler Campaign’s Youth Coordinator. 

For more information about the campaign, call 973.944.0698 or email michaelfortowncouncil@gmail.com.