
A BRIGHTER FUTURE IN MORRIS TOWNSHIP
Let's Make a Difference
Hi, I'm George Talarico, and I'm running for Morris Township Committee because I care deeply about our community. After living here for 25 years and raising my family in Morris Township, I want to ensure it remains a wonderful place to live, work, and raise future generations.
While I have always been interested in politics, I’ve never run for public office until now. Two things motivated me to step up at this moment: the increasing concentration of power in a single party in our Township and the implementation of the Affordable Housing Act, which is the largest unfunded mandate in New Jersey’s history.
What Sets Me Apart
I bring a unique set of skills and experiences that make me the right choice for Morris Township Committee:
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Deep Community Roots: I’ve lived in Morris Township for 25 years and am raising my family here. I understand the concerns that matter most to our residents.
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Professional Expertise: With a background in engineering, law, and compliance, I know how to solve problems and get things done.
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Leadership Experience: I’ve held leadership positions in both public and private sectors, where I’ve learned to bring people together to achieve common goals.
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Commitment to Service: I’m actively involved in our community – as a youth soccer coach, church lecturer, and member of several local boards.
I am committed to working hard for you, staying accessible, and being responsive to your concerns. I will be a strong voice for our community.
GET ON BOARD
Take Part in Something Great
My mission is simple: to represent the best interests of Morris Township residents and help our community continue to thrive. I will work tirelessly to promote responsible development, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement, all while preserving the values that make Morris Township such a great place to call home.
I will review the Township’s budget to find cost-saving opportunities without compromising essential services. I will explore options for shared services and regionalization to maximize our resources. I will hold regular town halls and use technology, like online surveys and user-friendly apps, to improve communication and transparency.
Together, we can build a Morris Township that works for everyone.
I appreciate your support!
Why Your Voice Matters
One-Party Rule in Morris Township
Right now, Morris Township is controlled by a single political party. As a resident and a Republican, I was disappointed to see that two members of the Township Committee were recently elected without opposition. This isn’t right – our community deserves better representation, with diverse voices and healthy debate. Citizens should feel heard, and our leaders must be accountable to everyone, not just those in power. I’m running to offer an alternative, to bring fresh perspectives, and to make sure we are all heard.
The Dangers of Single-Party Rule
New Jersey’s state government is also controlled by one party, which has led to policies that are not always in the people's best interest. Great things come from open debate, hearing different viewpoints, and finding common ground. For example, Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas famously held seven debates during their campaign, and the U.S. Constitution, the most important political document of all time, was born out of intense discussions among people with opposing views. That’s the kind of system that makes America strong.
But when power is concentrated in one party, there’s less room for debate and less accountability. We end up with policies that benefit only the ruling party’s supporters rather than the broader community. Without strong opposition, those in charge don’t feel the need to engage in meaningful discussions, leading to poor decision-making and a lack of innovation. Single-party control discourages citizen political participation, leaving people disconnected and unheard. As your representative, I’ll change that by bringing people back into the conversation and ensuring everyone has a say in what happens in our Township.
Affordable Housing Act and Its Impact
One of the consequences of New Jersey’s single-party rule is the Affordable Housing Act, which imposes enormous, ongoing financial burdens on Morris Township without providing any state funding. This law forces us to cover costs like:
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Hiring professionals to manage housing obligations,
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Subsidizing affordable housing projects, including land and development,
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Expanding services like schools, police, fire departments, and utilities, and
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Maintaining open spaces and dealing with congestion, noise, and pollution caused by massive development.
The Township is being stretched thin, and it’s essential that we find ways to meet these obligations without breaking the bank or sacrificing the quality of life in Morris Township.
The Issues That Matter In Morris Township
Several important issues are facing our community, and I’m committed to addressing them head-on. Some of my key priorities include:
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Affordable Housing: Finding a solution to the unfunded mandate imposed by the Affordable Housing Act while protecting our Township from financial strain and preserving its character.
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Ending One-Party Rule: Promoting more competition and transparency in local government.
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Community Engagement: Ensuring all residents have a voice in local decisions.
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Public Safety: Supporting our police, fire departments, and first responders and ensuring they have the necessary resources.
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Taxes: Working to reduce property taxes without sacrificing essential services.
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Efficient Spending: Reviewing our Township’s budget to ensure funds are spent responsibly and effectively.
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Smart Development: Supporting responsible growth that considers the impact on our quality of life.
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Infrastructure: Ensuring our infrastructure meets the needs of our community, avoiding hazardous roadways and excessive congestion.