WARREN TWP. – An already turbulent political year has taken another unexpected turn as the Democratic Party’s Township Committee candidate has been replaced on November’s general election ballot.
Nottingham Way resident Ashok Rakhit has succeeded Kimberly Dunn-Meynell as the local Democratic candidate for the lone three-year committee seat to be decided on Nov. 8.
Rakhit will oppose Republican Lisa Lontai in the general election.
Rakhit is a 22-year Warren resident, retired pharmaceutical executive and entrepreneur. He is first alternate on the Somerset County Planning Board. The change was announced in a press release from the Warren Township Democratic Party on Friday, June 17.
Dunn-Meynell ran unopposed in the June 6 Democratic Primary and received 620 votes. Although stepping down as a candidate, Dunn-Meynell will serve as Rakhit’s deputy campaign manager.
Rakhit said he believes the Township Committee should attempt to engage citizens in the decision-making process.
“I want to help build an administration that seeks the input of residents, sets an environment of open dialogue, and is transparent in its decision making,” Rakhit said in a statement. “I love this town and this community, and I want to make sure that our children will chose Warren as a home to raise their families, just like I did.”
“There is no doubt that residents of Warren are looking to make a change in local leadership,” said Patti O’Byrne, the township’s Democratic chairwoman. “The mismanagement of development, as evidenced by the recent lawsuit related to the former Chubb property, is a major concern.
“There is a total lack of transparency in how the Township Committee operates,” O’Byrne added. “I am confident that voters will respect Ashok’s educational and professional credentials and recognize his leader capabilities. He has a passion to bring responsive, accountable leadership to the Township Committee.”
Carol Senff, a member of Warren’s municipal Democratic committee, said recent turmoil with the township’s Republican Party helped spur Rakhit’s entry into the race.
“We changed candidates because the Warren Republican civil war gave us the unique opportunity to bring needed change,” said Senff. “So, we felt a candidate with experience on the county Planning Board will be what voters are looking for in 2022.”