EIGHT CANDIDATES WANT TC DEMOCRATIC ENDORSEMENT

The Maplewood Democratic Committee has its work cut out for itself this spring as it has to interview and review eight candidates who are seeking its endorsement for the two Township Committee seats up for re-election.

TC member Jerry Ryan is running again for his seat, but fellow member Kathy Leventhal has announced she will not run.

That has sparked a wave of interest from those seeking the Democratic Committee endorsement, according to committee Chair Ian Grodman.

He said eight candidates had submitted their names for consideration by the committee by Saturday's deadline. They will conduct interviews with them next month.

Those seeking to receive the Democratic Committee endorsement include Ryan, former TC candidate Kurt Kiley, Planning Board Chair Tom Carlson, Marketing Executive and former TC candidate Nancy Adams, Attorney Greg Lembrich, business consultant Karen Pisciotta, Frank McGehee, and MD Marguiles.

The Democratic primary, often considered the true election in this overwhelmingly Democratic township, is June 2.

Candidates are not required to receive the committee endorsement in order to make the ballot in June. Those not chosen can still run in the primary through the regular petition process. Under that procedure, they have until March 30 to get their petition in.