West Milford First is a nonpartisan political committee with the mission of creating a ballot question to return West Milford's government to a nonpartisan, ward-based system.

why we want to change  

• Last year’s council action to expand Mayor’s powers and raise salary to $130,000 was enacted despite strong public opposition.

• Residents want efficient, fair representation and a return to neighborhood-focused government.

• Current system is partisan, with no debates or discussion of issues, and heavily influenced by the county parties 

who we are  

A bunch of us opposed to the ordinances congregated outside Town Hall and decided we wanted to take action.  Although we were of varying political affiliations, we were agreed that we believed West Milford residents should have a voice and be heard.  We are:

• Chair, Glenn Wenzel   Former Mayor & Councilman, former Republican Party Leader

• Treasurer, Bob Nolan  Former Councilman

• Carl Richko   Former Mayor & Councilman, former President Board of Education

• Wayne Gottlieb   Former Vice-President Board of Education

• Karen Phelan   Former Council Candidate, Democratic Party Leader

• Melissa Brown Blaeuer   Former Candidate, Economic Development Commissioner 

• Mary Granata   Former Council Candidate, Democratic Party Leader

our proposal: Council-manager form  

Before the change to the current form of government in 2003, we used a nonpartisan, ward version of the Council-Manager plan. One of the reasons for the change was a desire to elect the mayor separately, but this form will allow that.  We propose a return to this form, which served West Milford well for many years. This form consists of:

• Three geographic wards – each electing one council member

• Three at-large council members – elected township-wide.

• Directly-elected Mayor – votes as a council member with no veto.

• All members serve staggered four-year terms – with elections every two years, in November.

• Nonpartisan elections – candidates listed with no party label.

• Manager handles daily operations – is appointed by the Council and must have professional experience.

benefits of Council-manager form  

• Better representation for every area of the township.

• Reduced party-line politics, focus on local issues and candidate qualifications.

• Professional, accountable management – Increases efficiency and saves taxpayer resources.

• Council oversees Manager – ensuring representative control.

• Mayor’s responsibilities warrant a modest stipend – not a full-time, six-figure salary. 

Volunteer to collect signatures