Election

SOMEA President Rocio Lopez told board that she hopes they can work together come to an contract agreement to get teachers “the pay we deserve.”

“Again, I ask: What is the power of a board? It is to ensure that the actions of bad actors do not stymie the progress of our school district. This also underscores the immense power of a school board: while we can support growth, we also have the potential to thwart progress. That is a sobering reality and a responsibility we must never take lightly.”  

Cripe thanked voters who “entrusted me with this role…I never in a million years thought a kid from Daytona Beach would have been doing things here in Maplewood, but you gave me a chance, and I appreciate the support, the criticism, the calls to to do the right thing, the challenges that have come with being in this role.”

“Public service is rewarding, and I strongly recommend it to everyone in our two towns. We can only improve when we all work together, especially for our children. I wish the best to the students, teachers, administrators, and the incoming and continuing board members. Parents, stay involved.”

“Someone once told me that serving on the Board of Education is about passing the baton—you work hard to keep the District moving forward and to leave it better than when you started. I believe we have done just that. The District is on an upward trajectory, and I am optimistic about the progress still to come.”

“I’m excited! It’s game time!” said Mayor Sheena Collum, saying the move will promote voter engagement and turnout, save money, and pave the way for more ballot reform.

The MDC and U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill distanced themselves from conditions that were apparently placed on a Maplewood mayoral candidate.

TC member Deb Engel, who seconded Adams’ nomination, said she had been courted for the Mayorship but lost votes when she failed to endorse Mikie Sherrill for NJ Governor.

South Orange Mayor Sheena Collum was an early endorser of Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, while Maplewood Mayor Nancy Adams has endorsed U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11).

Mayor Sheena Collum said leaders needed to monitor and respond to actions taken on SALT deductions, the Gateway Tunnel project, low-income housing tax credits, mass deportations and more.