Former Long Hill committeeman joins Morris freeholder race

Former Long Hill township committeeman Bruce Meringolo will run in a special election convention for Morris County Freeholder on February 1, becoming the eighth candidate in the race for Heather Darling’s seat.

Darling resigned from the Board of Freeholders on January 1 to become the new Morris County Surrogate.

Meringolo did not seek re-election to a third term on the township committee in 2019.

Chatham Township mayor Tayfun Selen, Pequannock councilwoman Melissa Florance-Lynch, former Morristown councilwoman Alison Deeb, former Pompton Lakes councilman Christian Barranco, former Madison councilman Rob Catalanello and Parsippany GOP county committeeman Thomas J. DeLorenzo are already in the race.

Also in the race is former freeholder John Cesaro, who was charged last month with accepting a bribe from cooperating witness Matthew O’Donnell as part of a corruption sting operation.

Cesaro is not expected to continue his campaign, but has not formally dropped out.