Election Results: Charter Study Commission

By: Andrew Kapp 

Since 1857, and with its final form having come about in 1989, the Millburn Township Municipality has granted the backbone of governance into the hands of the Township Committee; whereas, five members are voted in partisan-based elections, serve staggered three-year terms, and elect a mayor to hold a one-year tenure. Here, the Committee is granted full legislative powers, the executive powers not entrusted to the mayor, whether by general law or the Township Act, and may nominate an administration delegating them all or a portion of executive responsibilities of the municipality. 

On August 13, 2024, the Township adopted Ordinance 2682-24, such that there will be an inquiry into the formation of a charter commission, and a year and a little over two months later, it was approved, winning 65.30% (4,457 of 6,825 votes). Among this inquiry, the public was also asked to vote for five individuals who, in the case of a ‘yes’ ballot, would serve on the committee.

(November 4th Election Results, credit to the County of Essex, which keeps election data)

The Charter Study Commission is a temporary body that is created to evaluate the current state of the municipal government and its compatibility with the residents of Millburn. When concluded, the Commission may make recommendations to either keep the current system, change to a new form, or adopt a special charter. But the sitting Township Committee will not be the deciding body this time; rather, the voting population of Millburn will be able to have the choice to adopt the resolution at a later election. 

While there has not been a specific declaration, some ideas that could be studied are concepts such as both direct mayoral and nonpartisan local elections. Whatever it may be, however, the Commission’s upcoming meetings and public hearings will offer residents a new chance for input on the same government that represents them at the local, state, and national level; where to for, a result in continuity or change, the study process marks an exciting new opportunity for Millburn to reassess its 168 year old framework and its role in a constantly changing community.