Meet Morristown Mayoral Candidate Bruce Meringolo

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

Bruce Meringolo is a former school board member and former mayor, and is throwing his hat in the ring to be Morristown's mayor.

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

See Meringolo’s responses below:

• Full name: Bruce Meringolo
• Age: 60
• Town of residence: Morristown
• Position sought: Mayor
• Party affiliation: Republican
• Family: yes
• Education: Bachelors in Computer Science, MBA
• Occupation: corporate real estate professional
• Previous or current elected/appointed office (if applicable): Elected 5 times. 9 years service as school board member, 6 years service on town council with 1 year as Mayor.

1. Why are you running for this position?

I’m running for Mayor of Morristown because I believe it’s time for fresh leadership, transparency, and accountability. The current administration is asking for 20 years in office and I believe that is too long. I love this town, and I want to make sure every resident’s voice is heard and valued. Morristown deserves a leader who listens, brings people together, and focuses on common-sense solutions. I’m stepping up because I want to see our town’s future shaped by collaboration, respect, and smart planning.

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?

The most urgent challenges we face are overdevelopment, rising taxes, and traffic congestion — all of which are changing the character of Morristown.

If elected, I’ll make sure development maintains the historic charm of Morristown and is smart, balanced, and community-focused. We need to protect our neighborhoods, manage growth responsibly, and ensure that the character of Morristown is preserved.

I’ll also work to increase transparency and hold the line on taxes by controlling spending and reducing waste to ensure every dollar spent benefits residents. With respect to traffic, I’ll push for practical improvements — like better traffic-light timing, safer intersections, and clearer planning for hospital and commercial expansion — so residents can move around town safely and smoothly.

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

I bring both public-sector experience and private-sector know-how to the job. I’ve served nine years on the Long Hill Township Board of Education and six years on the Township Committee — including a term as Mayor. I also currently serve as Chairman of the Morris County Housing Authority.

Professionally, I’ve spent years in real estate and site acquisition — working with major companies like Echostar Corporation — which gives me deep insight into development, land use, and fiscal management.

Most importantly, I’m a collaborative, hands-on leader. I believe in open communication, transparency, and making decisions with resident input.

4. Overdevelopment has been a growing concern throughout NJ. How do you intend to address it in your community?

Overdevelopment is one of the biggest concerns I hear from residents. Morristown is an incredible town with a rich history and vibrant downtown — but we have to make sure growth doesn’t come at the expense of our historic charm and quality of life.

Every project must fit within the scale and character of our neighborhoods, and it must come with the infrastructure, parking, and traffic management to support it. I’ll also scrutinize tax incentives and PILOT programs to make sure they truly benefit residents — not just developers.

5. If you are running against an incumbent, where do you believe they’re lacking in serving the community? If you are an incumbent, what areas, if any, do you think you could improve upon in terms of public service?

I respect anyone who serves in public office, but I believe Morristown can do better. The current administration is asking for 20 years in office and I believe that is too long. This year residents were hit with an 11% property tax increase and that is just unacceptable! This administration lacks transparency, fiscal discipline, and resident engagement.

If I’m elected, I’ll open up Town Hall, bring residents to the table, and make sure everyone has a real voice in shaping our community’s future. I want residents to trust that their government is working for them and not around them.

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

What I love most about Morristown is the diversity, the energy, and the sense of community that makes this town special. From our beautiful parks to our historic downtown, Morristown is truly a place where everyone belongs. I’m proud to live here, and I’m excited to help lead our town so we can create a stronger future for everyone.

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Election Day is Nov. 4.

If you are running in Morristown's Mayoral Race and did not receive a candidate profile request, please reach out to jack.slocum@patch.com.