Meet Mendham Borough Council Candidate Marilyn Althoff

MENDHAM BOROUGH, NJ — With Election Day approaching, Patch is putting together a series of candidate profiles so readers can learn more about who is on their ballot.

Marilyn Althoff is a doctor and council incumbent who is running to keep one of two available seats on the Mendham Borough Council.

Patch asked candidates to share some information about themselves and asked identical questions to all candidates.

See Althoff's responses below:

Full name: Marilyn Althoff

Town of residence: Mendham Borough

Position sought: Re-elect for Council

Party affiliation: Republican

Family: 2 grown children, went through Borough schools

Occupation: Emergency Physician

Previous or current elected/appointed office (if applicable):

- BOH Member – 3/12/2020-7/2023

- BOH President- 1/2022-7/2023

Council:

- Appointed to an unexpired term 7/24/2023-12/31/2023

2023- Served as the Chair of Public Works and Utilities and Finance Committee

2024-Elected to Council 1/1/2024-12/31/2026

Questions

1. Why are you running for this position?

I have spent my life serving my community. I believe in community service and want to continue the work that I have been doing for the public safety and well-being of our community.

2. What do you believe to be the most pressing issue in the community, and what do you intend to do about it if elected?

-Keep borough taxes reasonable while maintaining the services that residents expect

-Continue to enhance shared services agreements

-Continue with aggressive grant capture- the borough has been awarded $7.5 million in grants over the past 8 years

-Continue pay-as-you-go capital maintenance and ensure roads and facilities are maintained

3. What qualifications and qualities do you possess that make you best suited for the position?

- I believe in service and have spent my life serving my community.

- I am service-oriented and put in the time needed to get the job done.

- I have a strong focus and will continue to work hard on public safety.

- I bring deep knowledge to work with our first aid squad, PD, and FD

4. The establishment of data centers in municipalities is a contentious point of discussion among New Jerseyans. What is your stance on these controversial buildings, and how would you feel about one being built in your community?

I have concerns that a data center would clash with our historic local character and negatively affect our environment.

The massive scale and utility demands of a data center conflict with the preservation goals of our historic, rural-suburban municipality.

• Aesthetics and space: Warehouse-style architecture clashes with our quaint historic town, while the large acreage required threatens open space and environmental protection zones.
• Resource and noise strain: Continuous electrical draw and cooling needs can strain local aquifers, while heavy industrial HVAC equipment risks disturbing our community’s quiet character.

5. In a few words, what is your favorite thing about your community?

What I love most about our community is the people. There is a genuine sense of neighborliness here--people look out for each other, step up when someone is in need, and take pride in where we live. That spirit makes this town special.

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Election Day Is Nov. 3