Four vie for three council seats

Three incumbents will not be running for re-election on the Byram Township Council this fall, and there are four candidates vying for election to fill those seats. Councilman David Gray will not seek to retain his seat, citing the need to spend more time with his young family. Deputy Mayor Nisha Kash is also leaving her seat open to pursue family time and other opportunities. Councilman Scott Olson, the longest-tenured member of Byram’s governing body who recently dealt with serious health issues, is also stepping away from his seat.

Running to fill the three seats are four residents not unfamiliar with the governmental processes in Byram. John “Jack” Gallagher, a prominent member of the Byram Township Fire Department, will once again seek council election. Also running are Raymond Bonker, the chair of the Byram Open Space Committee; and Lisa “Cris” Franco, who co-chairs the municipal building subcommittee. The final candidate is former council member Carlos Luaces, who served on the governing body from 2012 until his resignation in 2014.

Byram Township operates under a Faulkner Act style of government and elects a five-person council for staggered four-year terms. Those elected this year will serve from Jan. 1, 2020 through Dec 31, 2023. The election will be held on Tuesday, Nov 5, 2019. The time frame to submit an application for candidacy has closed, but those needing more information can contact the municipal offices at (973) 347-2500.