Meet Mendham Mayor, Mayoral Candidate James Kelly

MENDHAM, NJ — Mendham Borough is up for a new mayoral election this year, and incumbent James Kelly is looking to keep his seat.

In the upcoming primary election, Kelly is facing off against former councilman Neil Henry for the Republican nomination.

As it stands now, the winner of the primary will run unopposed in November's General Election, as no Democrats have filed a petition.

Patch is putting together a series of candidate Q&As so readers can learn more about who is on their ballot.

See Kelly's responses below:

• Full name: James R. Kelly
• Age: 66
• Town of residence: All my life was born and raised in the Borough of Mendham.
• Position sought: Mayor
• Party affiliation: Republican
• Family: Wife is Frederica, and I have two grown children. Married 35 years. Kate is a veterinarian, and Connor, who works in Health and Wellness.
• Education: Graduated from Mendham High School.
• Occupation: I am a NJ State Licensed Master Plumber and NJ State Licensed HVAC Contractor.
• Previous or current elected/appointed office (if applicable): I was appointed to Council in 2019. Ran and elected twice to Council in 2020 and 2023. I was appointed Mayor in 2025 to finish the 3rd year of the previous Mayor’s term and ran and was elected to finish the 4th year of the previous Mayor’s term. I have been the Chair of Public Works & Utilities Committee & Chair of Finance Committee and served on all committees of Council. I have also been Council President.

1. Why are you running for this position?
   A. I am running for office because I care deeply about my hometown and everyone that calls it home. I believe in service to my community. I am proud of what we have accomplished, but there is still important work ahead. I want to ensure our town remains a safe and welcoming place for families, seniors, and future generations.
   
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?
   A. I want to continue improvements to the Borough’s infrastructure and to provide good services to our residents. I would like to continue ongoing parks and trails improvements, keeping taxes low, supporting our local businesses, and organizations.
   
3. What qualifications and qualities do you possess that make you best suited for the position?
   A. As Mayor, I bring sound proven leadership, dedication, honesty, integrity, and transparency. I believe in an open-door policy and listen to our residents. I believe in teamwork and working together with Council, employees, volunteers, businesses, and community organizations.
4. Municipal tax increases have been a growing concern throughout NJ. How do you intend to address it in your community?
   A. Sound financial management has allowed the Borough to significantly improve its financial position. the Borough’s average operating fund balance increased from $2.1 million balance in 2018 to a fiscally sound average balance of $3.2 million between 2019-2026 meeting audit standards.
   Our administration has aggressively pursued outside funding to reduce the burden on taxpayers.
   
   Since 2019, the Borough has secured approximately $5.72 million in grant funding for local improvement projects, averaging nearly $800,000 per year. Roadway project grants alone totaled more than $2 million. In addition, the Borough successfully recovered $924,907 in FEMA storm reimbursements. Worked with the Tax Assessor on reevaluation of the Daytop project site and the Borough will receive $126,000 back tax revenue in 2026.
   
5. In a few words, what is your favorite thing about your community?
   A. Together, we have made meaningful progress while protecting taxpayers and preserving the character of our community. I remain committed to service, sound leadership, transparency, and responsible government.
   Thank you for your continued support and the opportunity to serve Mendham Borough. Please cast your vote on June 2^nd for Mayor James “Jim” Kelly, Dr. Marilyn Althoff, and Marrie Garbacz.
   

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Election Day is June 2.