JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — Eric Wilsusen announced that he is seeking re-election for another four-year term as Mayor of Jefferson Township, citing his continued passion for public service and commitment to the community he has called home his entire life.

“It is hard to believe it has been seven years since I first became an elected official,” said Wilsusen. “As a lifelong resident of Jefferson Township, public service has been a part of my entire adult life.”

Wilsusen began serving the community at age 18 as a Fire Company No. 2 firefighter, became Fire Chief at 25, and joined the Jefferson Township Police Department at age 22. He served for 31 years, retiring as Deputy Chief of Police. In addition to his civic service, he remains actively involved in his church and local volunteer efforts.

“I love this community, and I treasure the opportunity to serve it,” Wilsusen said. “I still feel a strong passion for public service, and I hope I have served our residents well, proven worthy, and earned the opportunity to continue serving as Mayor.”

Wilsusen expressed gratitude to his family for their continued support, as well as to township employees, volunteers, and his administration. “You are only as effective as the people you surround yourself with, and I am proud to work alongside an exceptional team that serves our community every day.”

During his tenure, Wilsusen said his administration has focused on transparency, accessibility, and communication, emphasizing responsiveness and visibility at all levels of the community. He highlighted efficiencies implemented in local government, including consolidating the Planning Board and Board of Adjustment into a single Land Use Board, combining municipal positions to reduce costs, and fostering a customer-service approach to municipal operations.

The mayor also reflected on the significant challenges faced during his two terms, including the harmful algal bloom on Lake Hopatcong, the COVID-19 pandemic, and multiple emergency events. He pointed to long-standing fiscal pressures caused by the Highlands Act, state-mandated revenue losses, and the Newark Watershed tax appeal, describing them as ongoing obstacles to municipal budgeting.

“Non-discretionary spending and uncontrollable costs increase by approximately $1.2 million annually before any department adds a dollar to the operating budget,” Wilsusen said. “Over the last seven years, we have cut roughly $6 million from the municipal budget to lessen the impact on taxpayers. We are now seeing the unintended consequences of these policies, including impacts on our schools.”

Among the administration’s accomplishments, Wilsusen cited the creation of Jefferson Township’s first long-term 10-year strategic capital plan, completion of roadway improvements in nearly 70 percent of the community since 2019, construction of a long-planned police department addition completed on time and under budget, ongoing water infrastructure upgrades, replacement of outdated fire and emergency medical equipment, and improvements to recreational facilities including Lakeside Field.

Additional initiatives include the formation of an Economic Development Committee to support local businesses and eco-tourism, and a Trails Committee advancing projects funded by private donations and grants totaling more than $1 million.

Wilsusen announced he will again run alongside Councilwoman Melissa Senatore and newcomer Tom Galfo, a local business owner, lifelong resident, and current Land Use Board member. Councilman Josh Kalish, who is not seeking re-election, has endorsed the ticket.

“We are fiscal conservatives committed to responsible financial management,” Wilsusen said. “If re-elected, my priorities remain the same: transparency and communication, economic development, and a more efficient local government.”

Wilsusen concluded by asking residents for their support in the June 2 primary election.

“I will continue to work every day to make Jefferson Township the best place possible to live and raise a family,” he said.

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. — Aura Dunn applauded the Jefferson Township High School student body for an impressive show of civic engagement during a recent letter-writing campaign advocating for fair school funding.

Approximately 250 students participated in the event, coming together to voice their concerns about the financial challenges facing their schools and the broader community. The campaign focused on the long-standing funding inequities tied to the Highlands Act, which has limited Jefferson Township’s ability to grow its tax base while still requiring the community to meet rising educational costs.

“We deserve fairness as a result of the Highlands Act’s impact on our community—and especially our schools,” Dunn said, emphasizing the importance of student involvement in shaping public policy and ensuring that Trenton hears directly from those affected.

The event was organized by Vice Principal Jason Kalish, with support from Tom Fasano and Sara Fasano, whose efforts helped mobilize students and provide them with a platform to advocate for their future. Dunn also thanked all those who attended and took the time to write letters calling for meaningful action on school funding.

Community members are encouraged to stay involved and continue advocating for equitable resources for Jefferson Township schools.

Dear Editor:

This letter was submitted to Jefferson Focus by resident Christian E. Barranco. Mr. Barranco sent the letter via certified mail to the Mayor and all Council members; however, to date, none of the issues raised have been addressed publicly or in response to Mr. Barranco.

Dear Administration,

I write to you today as a property taxpayer and resident of Jefferson Township. I would like to shine a light on a Township business practice that has come to my attention.

Per Local Public Contracts Law Regulation Manual, Subchapter 8, 5:34-8.3(f), Notes 1 thru 4. This regulation controls the rules as applies to aggregation which means the continued procurement by a municipality or “local authority” from a single repeat vendor. This is concerning the bid threshold as established by “Appendix A” of the regulation. This law was created so that an elected body of Councilmembers can oversee the spending patterns of their local government’s administration. If and when an aggregate spending stream exceeds the established bid threshold the township administration needs to produce a resolution to be adopted by the Council to give permission to spend an aggregate amount to a repeat vendor before the procurement is to be made.

Over the course of the last 7 years, our Township administration has produced (8) large, intermittent, round-numbered resolutions to the exact same vendor, Atlantic Communications:

#18-142 – $300,000
#19-58 – $150,000
#20-62 – $150,000
#22-55 – $150,000
#23-92 – $150,000
#23-292 – $60,000
#24-80 – $240,000
#25-266 – $240,000

Totaling $1,440,000 which now cannot be traced to any Purchase Order template nor are we the taxpayers able to reconcile these monies to any specific items or services except to know that they were spent at Atlantic Communications.

The purpose of adopting resolutions made to be approved by the Council for aggregate expenses above the Appendix A bid threshold is so that we can know down to the penny the specific purpose for the aggregate purchase and the itemized costs of each item and/or service procured. Also, the round nature of the resolution amounts would lead one to believe that the administration is, in fact, attempting to absolve itself of exceeding the bid threshold before Council has the legal opportunity to oversee and approve the aggregate expense.

Either way what I am attempting to convey here is a rational need to be able to keep a real accounting of our public treasury. In my experience with other municipalities, Council resolutions created to authorize aggregate expenses are very concise much like the one produced by this administration in 2024. #24-256 in the amount of $231,262.93 which was adopted by Council for the procurement of the Zetron 911 call answering system.

This is an example of a properly executed, accountable Resolution that can be reconciled by taxpayers. This process is necessary for the image of transparency for us to be certain of what our administration is doing with our public treasury.

Christian E. Barranco

Editors Note: Jefferson Focus publishes all verified letters to the editor and notes that these submissions do not represent the publication’s opinions or factual reporting. Letters to the editor are written by readers to share opinions, commentary, or feedback on issues of public interest. They provide a forum for community discussion and differing viewpoints. The publisher assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or content of any letter to the editor or press release. Letters to the Editor can be submitted to Jefferson Focus by clicking here.