Wayne Democrats Face-Off In 5th Ward Primary

WAYNE, NJ — James Freeswick is a nearly 60-year Wayne resident.

Fran Ritter has lived in town for about five years.

Despite the large gap in their lengths of residency, they both want the same thing: To serve on the Township Council.

Freeswick and Ritter are facing off in the Ward 5 Democratic primary June 4. It is one of just two primary races in local election this year. The other is a Republican contest in Ward 2.

Freeswick wants to put an end to one-party rule in Wayne. Republicans have had a stranglehold on the nine-member Town Council since 2016. Wayne Mayor Chris Vergano is also a Republican.

"I'm more qualified than my opponent because I've been a Wayne resident for 58 years," Freeswick said. "She moved in five years ago. I have political experience."

Freeswick has never held elected office. He unsuccessfully ran for Town Council in Ward 6 in 1999 and 2003, for mayor in 2005, and for at large council term in 2009. He successfully lobbied last year to get more ordinances and resolutions placed on the township website.

"It makes me a stronger candidate to run in November," Freeswick said.

Related: Resident Successfully Lobbies For Greater Transparency With Wayne Council

Ritter has held elected office. She was elected president of the Brittany Chase Condominium Association in December.

"I ran on a platform of transparency, respect, meeting the needs to a community, and having a dialogue with everyone who lives here. I plan to take that show on the road for the ward. The ward needs that same type of tender loving care," Ritter said. "I try to practice the kind of government I would want to be governed by."

Ritter grew up in Bronx, New York. She has been a practicing attorney for 20 years and a financial services executive for 30 years.

Ritter has the endorsement of the Wayne Democratic Club and will appear on the Passaic County Democratic Organization line on the ballot.

The winner of the Freeswick-Ritter race will run against Lucy Rivera, a first-term Republican.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com