MOUNTAIN LAKES — Incumbent Mountain Lakes Mayor Tom Menard joins the slate with candidates Chris Cannon and Melissa Muilenburg in their “One Community” campaign to win the three Mountain Lakes Borough Council seats up for election this November. The slate emphasizes its proven leadership in “getting things done” while managing the borough’s tax dollars responsibly. The candidates’ priorities include strong fiscal oversight, as seen in the significant municipal tax decrease of 7.7% during Menard’s 2021-22 tenure. The campaign platform also prioritizes the following: investments in infrastructure, public safety, and recreation; thoughtful planning and development along with support for local businesses; preserving the borough’s natural environment, historic character, and strong community spirit; and offering responsive and accountable leadership.
Mayor Tom Menard says, “My parents moved to Mountain Lakes in 1967 for the same reasons I decided to stay and raise my two children here — great schools, a strong sense of community and the beautiful natural environment.”
Menard is currently in his second year as Mayor of Mountain Lakes and has been a member of Borough Council for four years, serving on the Planning Board and the Department of Public Works, Economic Development, Recreation, and Borough Hall Project committees. He has a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Delaware. As an engineer and builder, Menard’s strengths lie in reviewing planned infrastructure and development projects, providing effective oversight, and ensuring that they conform with the borough’s master plan. Menard started his construction company here 29 years ago. With a long history of local volunteerism, Menard has served on the board of the Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms for 10 years and as president and board member of the Medical Needs Foundation for 7 years. Menard says, “The people of this town have been exceptional to me and my family. They deserve a council member who is dedicated to preserving the character and community of Mountain Lakes while adapting to current needs. I am committed to giving back to Mountain Lakes and saying thanks. This town is my history, and my heart is here.”
“I am running for Council to help continue the progress the current council has made and to be a leader for all Lakers,” says candidate Chris Cannon. An 18-year resident of Mountain Lakes, Cannon truly values the incredible sense of community and pride in Mountain Lakes. A graduate of Brown University, Chris is an entrepreneur and small business owner in the restaurant industry. His background provides a new perspective to advancing the interests of the town over the next four years. He has always taken a keen interest in the importance of the arts, culture, education, and philanthropy in fostering a sense of pride of place. As a member of the business community in Morristown, Chris serves on the boards of The Morristown Cultural District, The Morris County Tourism Board and the Advisory Board of Homeless Solutions and One Love, all key players in Morristown’s resurgence as one of the most respected towns in the state. Since its opening, Chris’ restaurant Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen has raised more than $1,200,000 for an array of local nonprofits serving families, children, health, the arts, and education.
Melissa Muilenburg’s 20-year legal career in banking and real estate, as well as her experience serving as the Chairperson of the Board at the Lakeland Hills Family YMCA, provides a valuable skill set for serving on Council. She has vast experience closing commercial deals, reviewing and approving budgets and strategic plans, negotiating contracts, chairing committees, and working effectively with others to get things done. These skills will aid in cultivating strong management and fiscal oversight, improving communications, protecting the community’s environment, and supporting new development that will bolster economic well-being. “I am running for Borough Council because it allows me to combine my passion for service with my love for Mountain Lakes,” says candidate Melissa Muilenburg. A 30-year resident of Mountain Lakes, Muilenburg began her commitment to service while attending Trinity College, where she tutored inner city youth. In Mountain Lakes, Melissa has coached for the Mountain Lakes Junior Track program, served as President of the Laker Sports Club board, and coached marathon runners for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
To find out more about the One Community campaign, visit their website by clicking here.
