By Matthew Sockol
Staff Writer
FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP – One Democrat and one Republican have announced their intention to seek a three-year term on the Township Committee in Freehold Township this year.
Democrat Richard Pelaia said he will seek the seat that is currently held by Republican Barbara J. McMorrow.
Pelaia, who has lived in the township for 11 years, is making his first bid for public office in Freehold Township. He currently works as a recruitment consultant.
“As a resident for almost 11 years, I have seen a one-party system in place and felt my voice and the voices of 7,000 others have not been adequately represented,” he said. “Where are the checks and balances that are meant to be a part of good government?”
McMorrow, who is serving as mayor this year, has been a resident of Freehold Township since 1998. She previously served on the Borough Council in Freehold Borough and on the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders. She is a retired educator.
McMorrow joined Freehold Township’s governing body in 2010 and is seeking re-election to a term that would run from Jan. 1, 2017 through Dec. 31, 2019.
“I am running for re-election because I want to continue to serve the people of our great township,” she said. “It is an honor and a privilege to be a member of the Freehold Township governing body and I work every day to serve the people who live and work in our municipality.”
Republicans hold all five Township Committee seats.
