MOUNTAIN LAKES — Mayor Melissa Muilenburg, Deputy Mayor Tom Menard and civic leader Andy Hilton have launched their campaign for the Mountain Lakes Borough Council.
Running on a track record of “Getting Things Done,” the team said it is committed to maintaining the borough’s quality of life through responsible fiscal oversight, critical infrastructure investment and proactive environmental protection.
The ticket brings a combination of executive, legal, civil engineering and community leadership experience to the governing body, the candidates said.
Track Record
The campaign cited the following achievements:
- Fiscal Excellence: Maintained the borough’s AAA bond rating while lowering the municipal tax rate and providing quarterly financial reviews at public meetings.
- Taxpayer Savings: Saved taxpayers $1.7 million through a newly negotiated solid waste contract.
- Capital Projects: Completed the Borough Hall and Public Safety facilities for millions less than comparable projects in neighboring areas.
- Infrastructure and Recreation: Improved local roads, sidewalks, beaches, parks and recreational facilities, while expanding library programming and collaborating with the Board of Education to develop Flynn Field.
- Preservation and Environmental Care: Restored the historic Station property using state and county grants, secured Highlands Council grants to preserve lakes and natural resources, and advanced state-mandated water remediation while pursuing outside funding to reduce costs.
- Strategic Planning: Adopted the Mountain Lakes 2025–2035 Fair Share Housing Plan, which the candidates described as a locally informed approach to creating housing opportunities while respecting the character and needs of the borough.
The Candidates
Melissa Muilenburg, a 34-year resident, is the current Mayor and a four-year incumbent Councilwoman seeking re-election. She brings a 20-year legal career in banking and real estate to her work on the Finance Advisory, Planning Board, Woodlands and Shared Services committees. She served on the Lakeland Hills YMCA Board of Governors for 12 years, six as Chair, and is a past president of the Laker Sports Club.
“I am running to continue ensuring strong oversight of Borough finances, investment in critical infrastructure, and protection of our environment,” Muilenburg said. “I pledge to continue listening, being responsive to residents, and respecting all points of view. The best decisions are made when people feel heard and valued.”
Tom Menard, a lifelong Mountain Lakes resident, is a two-term former Mayor, an eight-year Councilman and the current Deputy Mayor seeking re-election. A civil engineer and owner of Menard Construction for 33 years, he serves on the Public Works, Lakes Management, Affordable Housing and Shared Services committees. He oversaw the reconstruction of the Borough Hall, Birchwood and Island Beach facilities.
“Mountain Lakes is my history and my heart is here,” Menard said. “My strengths lie in reviewing planned infrastructure and ensuring projects are delivered on time and under budget. I am committed to preserving our unique character while thoughtfully adapting to current needs. Mountain Lakes was a wonderful place to grow up and we’ve loved raising our family here. I want to preserve what makes this community unique while preparing for the future.”
Andy Hilton, a 12-year resident, is running to give back to a place that has come to define community for him and his family. He brings more than 25 years of global executive leadership experience in financial stewardship, public-private partnerships and consensus building. Hilton serves as Executive Director of the Housing Partnership of New Jersey, on the Board of the Interfaith Food Pantry Network and on the borough’s Lakes Management Advisory Committee.
“Mountain Lakes brings together exceptional schools, beautiful natural surroundings, and neighbors who genuinely care for one another,” Hilton said. “My experience leading organizations, stewarding resources, and building consensus can help preserve what makes Mountain Lakes special while keeping our borough financially strong.”
Campaign Vision
The team said it will continue to prioritize a non-partisan, results-driven approach to local government that values open communication, respects resident input and ensures every taxpayer dollar is spent wisely.
For more information on the campaign, click here.
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