TOWN OF BOONTON — James A. Lynch announced his candidacy for Boonton Mayor on Wednesday, March 9, during the monthly meeting of the Tri-Town Republican Club.
Lynch said, “After much deliberation and encouragement from respected community members, I am pleased to announce my candidacy for the office of Mayor of the Town of Boonton. I am proud of my record of cost-saving initiatives and the effort and passion I brought during my multiple terms on the Town Council. My deep concern about the escalating debt, ever-increasing taxes, and direction of the Town under the current administration prompted my decision to re-enter public service. I have called Boonton home for three decades, raised my family, and run my business here. I care too much not to be involved. I look forward to meeting our residents during my campaign and gaining your support.”
Lynch began his first term as Alderman in 2014 and served for three two-year terms. He did not seek re-election in 2020. A vacancy created by relocating a sitting Alderman in early 2020 needed to be filled. Out of concern for the lack of experience on the board, he submitted his name for consideration and was selected to rejoin the board.
He served for three more years and did not seek re-election. During his tenure on the Board/Council, he chaired the Economic Development, Finance, and Police Committees. He was also on the Planning Board as the liaison to the Board of Education and Morris County Commissioners.
His accomplishments consist of three different planning grants, including an 18-month NJTPA funded visioning study, ending the practice of providing full family health benefits to the part-time elected officials, transitioning the town 911 service to the County Communications Center, electing out of Chapter 88, which mandated lifetime health benefits for all employees who retire from Boonton with 25 years in the retirement system regardless of how many years employed by Boonton and settlement of the COAH lawsuit brought against the Town.
Lynch has a successful accounting practice in Boonton for close to thirty years. The demands of the practice during tax season were a key factor in not seeking re-election. I will take steps to address those demands so I can successfully fill the position of mayor.
Community involvement included serving as treasurer of the Tri-Town Chamber of Commerce, the Boonton National Sokol Lodge, multiple scholastic athletic organizations treasurer, and coaching in the Tri-Town Little League.
His wife, Debbie, is Clerk of the Board of Morris County Commissioners, and they have five grown children and two grandchildren.
