Summersgill and Democrat Frank McGehee both filed to run in the primaries on June 7. That deadline was April 4.
McGehee received the Democratic Committee endorsement on March 21.
If both men win their primaries they will face off in the November 8 general election to replace TC Member Marlon Brownlee, who has chosen not to run again.
See the GOP endorsement announcement below:
SUMMERSGILL ENDORSED BY LOCAL REPUBLICAN COMMITTEE
Maplewood, NJ--The Maplewood Republican Committee has endorsed political
newcomer Michael Summersgill as its candidate for the Maplewood Town
Committee race. Running unopposed Summersgill, 35, will be the only
Republican candidate in the June 7th primary. He is a professional engineer
and has lived in Maplewood with his family for eight years.
According to Mary Devon O'Brien, chairwoman of the Maplewood
Republican Committee, "We were delighted when Mike expressed his
interest and impressed with what he offers our community.
Based on his qualifications, he is clearly a contender to win the
vacant Township Committee seat in November."
"I moved to Maplewood, not just because it was a convenient commute to
the city, but also because the community celebrates it's diversity and truly
embodies a village,"says Summersgill. " I understand that party affiliation
strongly favors a Democratic candidate. But I don't think party affiliation
should prohibit one from serving."
"Diverse views are vital and foster discussions, which ultimately lead to better
solutions to community concerns," he says.
Summersgill has a BS degree in Engineering from Cornel University.
With 15 years in various operational leadership positions, he has
managed a 700 person services organization, supervised a union
workforce, and been responsible for collective bargaining agreements.
Currently serving on the Maplewood Pool Advisory Committee, he also
supports the local YMCA, the Kiwanis, and Cougars Boosters.
He is also member of his neighborhood parish, St Joseph's on Prospect St.
