SECOND GAY CANDIDATE ENTERS TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE DEMOCRATIC RACE

A second candidate has thrown a hat into the Township Committee Democratic primary race, assuring there will be at least two challengers seeking the Democratic nomination for the seat being vacated by TC Member India Larrier, who has said she will not run for re-election.

Carla Caraballo, a seven-year Maplewood resident, is also the second gay candidate to publicly declare for the Democratic nomination for Township Committee. In a letter to the Maplewood Democratic Committee, Caraballo stated she is a U.S. Air Force Reserve flight nurse and currently working as a licensed practical nurse.

As a resident of Jacoby Street, she has also been involved in the Neighborhood Watch Program there since 2012.

See her candidacy letter HERE.

Caraballo is also in a same sex marriage with her long-time wife and the mother of two and grandmother of two.

She joins gay activist and consultant Dean Dafis, who tossed his hat into the primary race two weeks ago. 

Also running is Mayor Vic Deluca, who is seeking re-election to the seat he has held since 2009.

MDC Chairman Ian Grodman said the committee will continue to accept nominations for the primary endorsement through Feb. 27.

On the Republican side, former TC candidate Mike Summersgill has said he plans to seek the Republican nomination once again in 2017. He lost his bid in the 2016 general election against Democrat Frank McGehee.

Candidates seeking the Democratic or Republican primary nominations can submit their paperwork until April 3. The primary is set for June 6.