Daily Record

Democratic Party's rebirth in Morris Plains

By FRED SNOWFLACK

April 18, 2010

Frank Druetzler, the longtime mayor of Morris Plains, or as he prefers, "the Community of Caring," has had things pretty smooth of late.

But this year, people may think he's going to be easy to beat — two Democrats want to run against him. Within the relatively small world of Morris Plains, that's pretty remarkable. Democrats had been in a sort of hibernation in the borough until the election a few years ago of Jason Karr, who is now council president.

Now, Democrats have a contest for mayor in the June primary between Mike Butchko, a former councilman, and Wayne Marek, a school board member.

"There certainly is a renewed interest (among Democrats) in Morris Plains," says a delighted Chris Gargano, the chair of the borough's Democratic Party. "People are interested in change. I took over four or five years ago, and it was dead. There was no Democratic Party."

Druetzler for years also served as a Morris County freeholder, giving himself the moniker of "No. 7," given the fact there are seven freeholders. But don't be misled; the nickname was a joke. In many ways, Druetzler was the board leader, regardless of whether he was director or not.

As for the two Democrats, Marek already has begun campaigning.

"I have electability," Marek insisted, referring to his school board service. His goal, he said, is to "take on home rule," and if necessary, "I'm going to take on the (public) unions." Taking on public unions is not exactly standard Democratic fare. Marek doesn't care about that.

"I've never been one to toe the line as a Democratic shill," he said. "To the party insiders, that could be a problem." Clearly, Marek is aiming his appeal beyond the so-called party insiders.

Butchko, who was on the council from 1985 to 1991 and who served as council president, credited Gargano for rejuvenating borough Democrats. A principal at a Catholic elementary school in Hillside, Butchko said one thing that needs attention in the borough is Route 53, which has seen corporations leave town. He also chided Druetzler, who was on Gov. Chris Christie's transition team for transportation, for raising the possibility of increasing the state gasoline tax.

"Ninety five percent of the people in Morris Plains drive to work," Butchko said.

Druetzler acknowledged the Democrats' activity and said, "We'll campaign hard." He should have time for that. Not only did the mayor give up his freeholder seat a few years ago, just this year, he relinquished his long-time season box to Met games at Shea Stadium and more recently Citifield.