Collingswood Commissioner Rob Lewandowski will not seek re-election to a third term in the upcoming May non-partisan municipal election.
He cited ongoing physical and mental health struggles by family members.
“I told myself that if I could not dedicate 100% to the job of commissioner, I would not run again,” Lewandowski stated. “It is certainly not for a lack of love for Collingswood and its residents that I step aside. My decision not to run is because Collingswood deserves more than I can offer right now. Perhaps circumstances will change somewhere down the line, but for now, I need to put first things first.”
Two incumbents, Mayor Jim Maley and Commissioner Morgan Robinson, will instead run with Rebecca Sieg, who runs Rekindle Education, a non-profit geared at improving student math outcomes through enhanced learning and one-on-one coaching.
A U.S. Navy veteran and the longtime communications director for the Laborers’ International Union of North America, Lewandowski began his career in elected office in 2014 when he won a Collingswood school board seat as a write-in candidate. Nearly fifty variations of his 17-letter name were used.
Four years ago, Lewandowski was the top vote-getter against a progressive slate; Team Collingswood crushed Kate Delaney and others by a 2-1 margin.
WESTFIELD
Westfield’s Democratic mayor, Shelley Brindle, is preparing to announce that she won’t seek re-election to a third term. Brindle has begun telling local Democrats that she’s calling it quits.
Ward 1 Councilwoman Linda Hapgood appears to be the leading contender for the Democratic nomination.
Brindle had a tough midterm election in 2023, with Republicans winning four of the eight town council seats in what was largely a referendum on Brindle’s redevelopment plans.
An early supporter of Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop’s gubernatorial bid, Brindle could wind up in a state post if Fulop wins.
Republicans have not yet selected their mayoral candidate.
MILLBURN
Millburn Mayor Annette Romano, a Democrat, will run for a second term on the township committee in what will be a control election in a one-time GOP stronghold before the municipality shifted heavily to the Democratic side.
“I have always cared deeply about our township, and I would like to continue to move Millburn forward in a positive, responsible way,” said Romano. “I have proven that I can lead in a bi-partisan manner.”
Romano’s release did not indicate whether her running mate, Michael Cohen, is running again.
Democrats have a 3-2 majority on the township committee, with Republicans needing just one seat to take control. In 2023, Republicans won two seats by about 1,700 votes.
“We seek candidates who are energized by Millburn’s growing diversity and who reflect a broad range of ethnic and religious backgrounds, age groups, and even political perspectives,” local Republicans said in a statement seeking candidates for this fall. “Our goal is to bring together residents from all walks of life who share a deep love for Millburn-Short Hills and a commitment to protecting what makes it a vibrant, welcoming, and sought-after suburb.”