Democratic Council Member 'Strongly Considering' Running as Independent in Nov.

A familiar face could make a late entry into November's Hopatcong council elections.

Incumbent Democrat Madeline McManus said Monday that she's "strongly considering" entering the fray as an independent. Independent candidates must file nomination petitions by June 7, which is also primary election day.

McManus' fourth term will expire in December. She said may run "just to give people a choice."

Republican incumbent John Young is running for re-election with newcomer Estelle Klein, also a Republican, for the two open council spots. No Democrats filed petitions to run for their party's nomination to the open seats. Mayor Sylvia Petillo will run uncontested in the Republican primary. Again, no Democrats filed to run for mayor.

McManus said she hoped to see a candidate from a different party run for mayor or council.

"It would be nice for other people to get on," said McManus, a retired Hopatcong elementary teacher. "I was hoping other people would come and step up. That's what I was really hoping. Just so that the public would hear another voice."

McManus, who said she will support the school budget on the April 27 vote, ran as a Republican and switched parties during her current term.