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Leaders Who Listen and Get Things Done
If elected, Nancy Verga, Lee Connor, and Rosaria DeNova will address several key pillars that are focused on your priorities.
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Fiscal responsibility
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Prioritizing safe streets, sidewalks and neighborhoods
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Preserving our town's character
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Fostering a vibrant downtown
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Listening to and informing residents
THANK YOU, MORRIS PLAINS!
We are thrilled and deeply honored by the trust the people of Morris Plains have placed in us!
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who made this campaign possible. To the volunteers who helped us knock on thousands of doors, made phone calls, put up signs, hosted events, contributed to our campaign, talked with friends and neighbors, and encouraged us every step of the way — THANK YOU! Your hard work, enthusiasm and belief in our team made all the difference.We also want to thank everyone who came out to vote. Your participation is what makes our democracy and our community strong.
A special thanks to Mayor Jason Karr for his many years of service and dedication to Morris Plains. We also want to recognize Councilman Art Bruhn for his dedicated public service and the time and energy he has given to our Borough.
Throughout this campaign, we've talked about the importance of listening, planning ahead and getting things done. Now we're excited to turn those ideas into action — working to keep Morris Plains affordable, protect its small-town character, plan thoughtfully for the future and ensure residents have a voice in the decisions that affect their lives.
The campaign may be over, but we're all still neighbors, united by our love for Morris Plains. We look forward to bringing people together, building on what makes our community special and working on behalf of ALL Morris Plains residents.
Thank you for believing in us and for giving us this opportunity to serve.
Let's get to work!
Nancy Verga, Lee Connor & Rosaria DeNova
Nancy Verga
FOR MORRIS PLAINS MAYOR
Nancy has been a dedicated volunteer in Morris Plains for 28 years and is recognized as a leader by Council peers and residents across the community.
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Elected to the Borough Council for three consecutive terms
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Current chair of the Borough's Finance Committee for 2nd consecutive year ─ liaison to the Borough's CFO and Clerk/Personnel Director
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Elected Council President in 2024
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Advocate for public safety initiatives, including a dedicated Traffic Safety squad, an officer at Morris Plains schools, new fire safety inspections for apartments, and community policing events.
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Champion for improved pedestrian and bike safety. Applied for and won grants for new sidewalks and crosswalks to Roberts Garden and on Route 53. Supports a Complete & Green Streets policy to design our roadways for all users.
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Founded the Business Development Committee to fill vacant storefronts. Recruited the Borough's first microbrewery, helped create Downtown Morris Plains, an organization aimed at enhancing our business community.
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Launched a Green Team and earned grants to implement sustainability initiatives that will reduce energy costs and protect the Borough's clean air and water.
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Protected open space from future development through grants and capital investments.
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Responded to resident feedback by redesigning the Borough website, adding online payments and registration, and creating new advisory boards.
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Earned the Morris Plains Democratic Committee nomination for mayor due to her exceptional leadership and accomplishments in public office.
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Retired from a successful career in strategic marketing and communications, including consulting for a Fortune 500 companies.
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Dedicated wife and mother of four children who attended the Borough's schools and, a delighted new grandma.
Lee Connor and Rosaria DeNova bring years of dedicated service to Morris Plains ─ and a bold vision for getting things done. As Council members, they'll put residents first in every decision.
Lee Connor
FOR BOROUGH COUNCIL
Lee Connor is a proven community leader who makes decisions based on facts and data. Her strength is in listening to and communicating with the people she serves.
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Proud Morris Plains resident for 30 years; she and her husband, Mike, raised two children who graduated from the Morris Plains School District.
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Founding member of Plan Better Morris Plains, a resident-led group advocating for smart, sustainable development and greater public input in local land use decisions
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Past President of the Education Foundation of Morris Plains (EFMP), leading successful fundraisers to support innovative programs beyond the school budget
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Co-founded the Strides for Education 5K Run/Walk, now in its 11th year. This and other community-based EFMP fundraisers have raised more then $150,000 for the Morris Plains School District.
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Former President of the Morris Plains Board of Education, elected by her peers to lead during a period of transformation in the district.
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Former President of the Morris County School Boards Asscociation
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Board member and Communications Chair of an all-women, collective giving organization, Impact100 Garden State, helping grow membership and direst more than $4 million in grants to local nonprofit organizations.
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Brings extensive national and regional professional experience in communications, marketing, and project management.
Rosaria DeNova
FOR BOROUGH COUNCIL
Rosaria DeNova is a collaborative problem solver running for Borough Council to leverage her corporate and entrepreneurial experience in service of the community.
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Rosaria and her husband, Steve, are 20-year residents of Morris Plains, whose children are attending the Morris Plains School District.
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Serves on the Morris Plains Municipal Alliance, where she created the annual Family Fitness day event to strengthen family resilience.
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Recognized as the 2025 Morris County Volunteer of the Year by the State of NJ Governors Council on Substance Abuse.
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Serves on the Farmers Market Committee, working to create events and promote the Market to ensure it remains a premier Saturday downtown destination. In addition, she works to streamline and improve market operations, while also collaborating with Downtown Morris Plains to help spotlight our local businesses.
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Founded the Morris Plains Moms Facebook group in 2015, she bridged a critical communication gap to keep residents informed while building community.
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As a results-driven professional, she leverages her extensive corporate expertise in IT Systems Architecture and Project Management to transform complex operational challenges into effective, scalable solutions
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As an award-winning small business owner, she provides outstanding customer service through a nimble, client-focused approach.
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Has earned a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems from Seton Hall University and a Master of Science Information Systems from Stevens Institute of Technoloty, in addition to a PMP Project Management Certification.
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Recipient of the Seton Hall University Ramon Ramos Medal of Courage for demonstrating bravery and courage in the face of extreme adversity.
Campaign Statement
October 14,2026
The choices we make as candidates and public officials impact public trust.
For example, we believe that candidates should not accept campaign donations from people who have a financial interest in development projects in our Borough.
This week, residents have raised concerns about contributions disclosed in recent campaign finance reports filed by mayoral candidate Jason Karr. His campaign accepted significant contributions from donors connected to development interests in Morris Plains. This includes a firm with ties to the McDonald’s project at the old Friendly’s property, where the future of a proposed two-lane drive-through remains unresolved.
These contributions are publicly disclosed, as required by law.
The issue is public confidence. And the best way to retain that confidence is simple: don’t accept such contributions.
We want residents to know that we have not accepted, and will not accept, campaign contributions from developers or others directly connected to active or recent development proposals before Morris Plains. That is the standard we have chosen for our campaign and for our time in public office.
Verga. Connor. DeNova. Leaders You Can Trust.
Information about campaign contributions can be found at https://www.elec.nj.gov
Endorsements
Morris Plains Voices
Nancy Verga, the Mayor Morris Plains needs
Sue Riccardelli, TAPintoMorristown, September 28, 2026
Morris Plains deserves leadership that looks forward
Tom Battagliese, Morris NewsBee, October 8, 2026
Vote Nancy Verga for mayor, Lee Connor and Rosaria DeNova for Morris Plains Council
Melissa Lamm, Morris NewsBee, October 8, 2026
I’m proud to support Nancy, Lee, and Rosaria. They are thoughtful, engaged, and genuinely care about the future of Morris Plains. They understand the importance of thoughtful planning while preserving the character and sense of community that makes Morris Plains such a special place to live. I’m confident our town will thrive under their leadership.
- Kara O.
As a proud resident of Morris Plains for 43 years, I believe our community deserves a mayor who puts residents first—not political parties. Through her passion, dedication, and commitment to our town, Nancy Verga has proven that she genuinely cares about the people who call Morris Plains home. She has earned my trust, and I’m proud to support her as our next mayor. I encourage my fellow residents to look beyond party lines, consider who truly has our community’s best interests at heart, and join me in supporting Nancy Verga for mayor of Morris Plains!
- Jessica O.
Morris Plains means a lot to me. This isn’t simply the place I call home—it’s a community I care deeply about and want to see thrive for years to come.
That’s why I’m supporting Nancy, Lee, and Rosaria. They bring thoughtful leadership, good judgment, and a genuine commitment to the people who live here. They know that moving our town forward doesn’t mean losing the character and sense of community that make Morris Plains special.
I’m proud to cast my vote for Nancy, Lee, and Rosaria this November.
- Peter B.
Vote for Morris Plains' Future
Craig Moran & Pam Dise-Moran, October 11, 2026 TAPintoMorristown
Joan Goddard, October 11, 2026, TAPintoMorristown
What I appreciate about Lee and Rosaria is that they genuinely care about Morris Plains and the people who live here. They listen, they’re thoughtful, and they’re committed to doing what’s best for our community. That’s why I’m confident they’re the right choice for Morris Plains Borough Council.
- Kelly M.
The answer is simple: Nancy Verga for Morris Plains mayor
Michael J. Butchko, former Morris Plains Councilmember, Morris NewsBee, October 12, 2026
I am pleased to support Nancy, Lee, and Rosaria. They bring a wealth of professional experience and civic engagement to the table, proving they understand the value of independent leadership, transparency, and collaborative problem solving. They will prioritize community input and long-term strategic planning to preserve our small-town character and address important issues like traffic and commercial land use. I have no doubt that they will advocate for all residents and “get things done.”
- Marc K.
I'm so excited by the Verga for mayor, Connor & DeNova for council ticket. I am impressed with their proven work ethic & integrity. I viscerally trust their objectivity & moral compass. Perhaps most of all I admire their motivation—not to serve oneself or any political bias, but exemplifying true civil service—to meet the current & future needs of the community.
- Sara S.
Morris Plains deserves leaders who show up, listen, and get things done. Nancy, Lee, and Rosaria are proof of what strong leadership looks like—thoughtful, hands-on, and deeply invested in this town’s future. They’ve earned the trust of this community through hard work and integrity, not just words. I’m proud to support them, and I’m voting for Nancy, Lee, and Rosaria this November.
- Amanda P.
'I believe this election is one of those moments.'
Melisa Cooke, Morris NewsBee, October 25, 2026
After 70 years in Morris Plains, I am voting for People not Party
Mary Lou Orr, TAPintoMorristown, October 26, 2026
Nancy is the leader Morris Plains needs for mayor. She seeks out and listens to community feedback. She does the hard work of researching what’s best to keep Morris Plains the town we love.
- Terri & Frank Mangravite
Frank is a former Morris Plains Councilmember
I was proud to campaign alongside Nancy last year, and I saw firsthand how deeply she cares about our community and how naturally she connects with our neighbors. She listens, seeks out different perspectives, and values the Council as a partner in making the important decisions that affect our Borough. That is the kind of collaborative leadership we need in the Mayor’s office, and I’m proud to support her.
- Mike Ivey
Current Morris Plains Councilmember
I believe that Nancy Verga has the leadership, transparency, and experience to guide the Borough, which is exactly why I am endorsing her for Mayor of Morris Plains. Having seen firsthand how she interacts with residents and always gets their feedback before making a decision gives me the confidence that the future of the Borough is in safe hands. Nancy is not afraid to ask the hard questions and has a track record of results.
- Tyler Pontier
Current Morris Plains Councilmember
Nancy Verga is the leader Morris Plains needs. Having served alongside her for the past two years, I've seen her provide calm guidance, ask thoughtful questions, and bring a strong grasp of our finances. She empowers her fellow council members to do their jobs while offering guidance when it's needed. She is a voice of reason, and she's committed to doing the hard work to move Morris Plains forward. With Nancy as mayor, we can keep Morris Plains moving in the right direction and build on the progress we've made. I wholeheartedly support her as our next mayor.
- Bill Houston
Current Morris Plains Councilmember
Nancy Verga is the leader Morris Plains needs and deserves. She is thoughtful about her decisions and is deeply committed to the people. Nancy is always respectful to residents and follows through on her commitments. She has consistently demonstrated that it’s possible to improve upon the town’s current ways of working, while protecting what residents love most. Nancy has the courage to ask tough questions and raise important topics because it’s the right thing to do. Nancy has proven time and time again that she can deliver meaningful results for Morris Plains. Let’s make Nancy Verga the next Mayor of Morris Plains.
- Laurie C.
After 35 years in Morris Township, I made Morris Plains my home in 2012. I quickly came to appreciate why it’s known as the “Community of Caring.”
I’m proud to support Nancy, Rosaria, and Lee. Their experience, commitment, and genuine dedication to our residents and local businesses make them the right choice to move Morris Plains forward.
- Jane M.
I’m proud to endorse Nancy, Lee and Rosaria. I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside each of them in different ways, and what stands out to me is how seriously they take listening, collaboration and thoughtful decision-making. They recognize that one of Morris Plains’ greatest strengths is the people who live here—people who are passionate about our community and bring a tremendous depth of knowledge, experience and expertise that should be part of shaping its future. I admire their long records of public service in our community, and I trust them to protect what makes Morris Plains such a wonderful place to live while thoughtfully planning for the changes ahead and positioning our community to thrive for years to come.
- Kerri I.
Over the past five years that Nancy Verga has served on Borough Council, what has consistently stood out to me is how approachable and transparent she is about everything. She makes herself available, listens to residents, and communicates openly about the issues facing Morris Plains. She answers all requests and questions with professionalism and timeliness. If she doesn't have an immediate answer, she's honest about it and I know that she will do her due diligence in finding out the answer. I also appreciate her commitment to balancing thoughtful progress and planning, while keeping Morris Plains' history and traditions in place. Nancy is the leader we need to get things done.
- Angela L.
Events
October 8 Mayoral Debate
WHAT: Mayoral Candidate Debate with Nancy Verga (D) and Jason C. Karr (I)
HELD: Thursday, October 8, 7 pm
WHERE TO VIEW: On LWV Morris Area You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@lwvmorrisarea
SPONSORED BY: The League of Women Voters of the Morris Area & The Morris NewsBee
Don't miss it!
View the Morris Plains Mayoral Debate.
May 5th Campaign Kickoff
We’re still feeling the energy from that night - and what a night it was.
A room full of neighbors, friends, and supporters, all coming together because of a shared love for Morris Plains and a real excitement about where we’re headed. You could feel it in every conversation, every cheer, every moment - we’re building something special together.
This campaign has always been about more than just an election. It’s about ALL of us - working side by side to protect what we love about our town while moving forward with smart planning, sustainability, and transparency.
THANK YOU for showing up, for believing in this team, and for being part of something bigger than any one of us.
We’re so grateful - and we’re energized, united, and ready to get to work for you. LET'S DO THIS!
June 15th Mahjong Party
The tiles are packed away, but we're still smiling from all the fun and positive energy in the room!
THANK YOU to everyone who joined us for our Mahjong Party fundraiser last night. While we're grateful for your support, we're especially thankful for the opportunity to spend time with so many friends, neighbors, and supporters. We left feeling energized, encouraged, and excited about the months ahead.
Thank you for sharing your time, your enthusiasm, and your belief in our vision for Morris Plains!
Press & Profiles
In Morris Plains, a McDonald's controversy sets the stage for a mayoral showdown by Michael Lovito, MorristownGreen.com, Oct. 29.2026 (Please also read Morris Plains Democratic Committee's comment on the story.)
Campaign Cash Fires-Up Morris Plains by Fred Snowflack, Insider NJ, October 23, 2026 (please also read Morris Plains Democratic Committee's comment on the story here.)
Nancy Verga nominated by borough's Democratic Committee by Sal DiMaggio, Morris News Bee, March 16, 2026
Happy 100th Birthday Morris Plains & 4/15 Council meeting, Councilmember Verga's Newsletter, April 16, 2026
I'm Running for Mayor! Councilmember Verga's Newsletter, April 19, 2026
A Mountain of a Mayor's Contest in Morris Plains by Fred Snowflack, Insider NJ, April 20, 2026
Our VOTE411 profiles are posted!
Thank you to the League of Women Voters for providing all candidates an opportunity to share information so voters can compare answers side by side. Nancy, Lee, and Rosaria are committed to telling voters where they stand and being accessible to residents. Drop us a note any time at vergaconnordenova@gmail.com.
To view our profiles:
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go to vote411.org/ballot
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enter your address
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click "Save & View Races"
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select race
PAID FOR BY THE MORRIS PLAINS DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEE
11 FOREST AVENUE, MORRIS PLAINS, NJ 07950