What am I being asked to sign?

An Initiative Petition gives registered West Milford voters the opportunity to request that a question be placed on the ballot in the next general election. This ballot question will ask voters whether to change our form of government from the Council-Mayor-Administrator plan to a Council-Manager form.

Why now?

Last year, the Township Council passed ordinances expanding the Mayor’s role and increasing her salary to $130,000—despite overwhelming opposition from residents who packed Town Hall to speak out against these changes. This petition empowers residents to ensure that the structure of town government truly reflects the will of the community. 

What if I’m not sure I support a change of government?

Signing the petition simply allows voters to decide for themselves in an election. It does not mean you support a change—just that residents should have the right to choose.

Who are “we”?

We are the Committee of Petitioners—five neighbors with a range of political perspectives and public service experience—who believe this change will create a more open, transparent, and efficient local government for West Milford. Our names appear on the petition. 

What is the Council-Manager form?

This system, permitted under the Optional Municipal Charter Law (Faulkner Act), gives voters a stronger voice and clearer divisions of responsibility:

• Voters elect a Mayor and six Council members—three from wards, each covering about a third of the Township, plus three at-large.

• All seven elected officials serve staggered four-year terms.

• Elections are non-partisan: candidates' party affiliations are not listed on the ballot.

• The Manager, appointed by Council, handles daily Township operations and must have professional managerial credentials.

How does this benefit residents?

• Fairer representation: Ward seats ensure distinct neighborhoods have a voice.

• Less politics, more service: Non-partisan elections make it easier for qualified residents to run.

• Clearer roles: Council sets policy; Manager executes it professionally.

• Accountability: Residents elect their policy-makers, while the Manager works for and is accountable to the Council.

How is this different from our current system?

Current: Seven at-large, partisan officials; Mayor has broad executive power with a high salary; Administrator appointed by the Mayor; lack of direct neighborhood representation.

Proposed: Ward-based and at-large seats; elections are non-partisan; the Mayor presides but is mostly ceremonial; the professional Manager executes Council policy and oversees all staff.

Who oversees the Manager?

The Manager reports directly to the elected Council and can be replaced by majority vote if underperforming.

How many other municipalities use the Council-Manager form?

Forty-two New Jersey towns use the Council-Manager form of government. Belleville is one example with at-large and ward representation, non-partisan elections, and a professional Manager. By contrast, only two towns in the entire State use the Council-Mayor-Administrator form: West Milford and Berkeley Heights.

I’m not familiar with this form—how does it work in practice?

If you know how our public schools operate, this is similar. The elected School Board sets policy, and the Superintendent runs day-to-day operations. With the Council-Manager government, the Council sets policy, and the Manager takes care of running the Township.

Will this expand our government or cost us more?

No—the size of local government would remain the same.

The Mayor’s new duties wouldn’t justify receiving a full time $130,000 salary – just a modest stipend no different than council members – so this would save taxpayers money.

A professional Manager typically increases efficiency and accountability, which can result in long-term savings for residents.

What are the next steps if this petition passes?

HIf voters approve the question, West Milford would move to the Council-Manager form of government.

First, we would establish three geographic wards. Then the first nonpartisan municipal elections would be held the following November, where all council members and the Mayor would be elected. However, new ward representatives would initially serve a two-year term to stagger future elections, while the Mayor and at-large Council members would be elected to regular four-year terms. The result would be municipal elections held every two years: ward representatives being elected in the same cycle, and at-large members and the mayor in the following cycle.

The Council would appoint a professional Township Manager.

How will the wards be drawn?  

The municipal clerk’s office would establish three wards of approximately the same population.  

How can I get involved?

Please sign up to our mailing list to stay informed or volunteer and use our form to let us know you want to sign the petition or help us circulate petitions to get more signatures.