Michael R. Shulman

While the outcome was not what I had hoped, I woke up today feeling proud of my campaign. As a first-time candidate going up against a five-term incumbent in a town that favors Republicans 2:1, I ran competitively and with integrity. There was no “red wave” in Ward 2. I ran more competitively than any other Democrat on the ballot in the ward. In fact, we won a majority of votes in Ward 2-1. Sometimes change is incremental, but these results do not dissuade me from its pursuit.

With a few votes still outstanding I fell short 200 votes out of over 1500 votes cast. I hold my head up high and I thank all of the people in Clark who supported me. Please know that I don’t intend to fade away, but I will continue to attend Council meetings, speak up for important issues and will work in any capacity I can to help all the residents.

I have spent the last six months knocking on doors and speaking with Clark residents of all political beliefs. These conversations foster common ground on so many issues. However, I have not spoken to any voters who find the behavior of our mayor and current council members was anything but dishonest, deceitful and disgusting. Whether it’s hate speech coming from our mayor, covering up hundreds of thousands of dollars in settlement money by our town council, or lying about tax increases, Republicans have failed Clark.

It’s time that Clark has elected leaders that value accountability, transparency, and fiscal responsibility. Remember that change starts Tuesday when you cast your vote.

Clark mayor's racist comments caused a furor. Can Dems use them to win in GOP stronghold? - New Jersey Monitor Allies of Republican Clark Mayor Sal Bonaccorso — who used racist language in recordings leaked to the media in March — face voters on Tuesday.

With the election only days away, it’s not surprising that the Republicans and their acolytes are spreading lies to invoke fear and hate to turn out votes. Earlier today flyers have been dropped off suggesting that Democrats are in support of "rent control." Not only is this not my position but the arguments made are without merit.

First, re-establishing a rent monitoring board will protect tenants from corporate landlords. Local elected officials should represent all residents, including renters, and not be in the pocket of developers.

Additionally, “rent stabilization” for senior citizens in Woodcrest, Lexington Village, and our other apartment complexes will protect them from the yearly double digit rent increases that they have experienced. The upfront tax incentives given to these developers coupled with out of control rent increases takes money out of our town’s budget, our school budget and your pocket.

There is no data to support that policies to protect tenants devalues your home. In fact, what does hurt property values are vacant apartments when price increases have forced our life-long residents and seniors from our town. Protecting tenants means we are protecting our community and establishing continuity for families.

The real reason your property values go down is because young families don’t want to move to a town mired in scandal and corruption. They want a town with a vibrant commercial district, which this administration has failed to deliver for two decades. We have the 18th worst pay in the county for teachers so the best and brightest kids wind up going to private school or magnet schools.

The current council lacks an understanding of economics, lacks values and empathy, and has failed this town to the tune of over $1.5 million in payoffs and unearned salaries. The election in Clark is not about red or blue but about the future of a town that has lagged behind for far too long.

With Election Day around the corner, this article summarizes how the current council has never questioned or criticized the Mayor's disgusting racism and hate. In fact, without debate or discussion they voted to approve hundreds of thousands of dollars to protect the Mayor for political reasons.

Make your voice heard on Election Day. Vote for me and the other Column B candidates so that we can restore checks and balances to Clark, ensure that the corruption and payoffs come to an end, and that your tax dollars are spent on public services and not on cover-ups.

In this N.J. GOP stronghold, will a racism scandal matter to voters? Tuesday's election in Clark Township comes after the mayor, the police chief and an internal affairs sergeant were caught on tape using racial slurs.

Remember to vote Column B !!

Remember to vote November 8.

Please read about what I plan to do to improve Clark!

Michael Shulman, Democratic Party Candidate for Clark Town Council 2nd Ward CLARK, NJ – This year, four Ward seats are up on the Clark Town Council.

The residents of Woodcrest are being denied their ability to hear from both candidates. The Republicans in Clark are scared to debate and want to keep citizens in the dark.

When I asked Woodcrest if I could use their clubhouse to meet residents and introduce myself, I was told they do not permit any political speech.

However, earlier today, they hosted Councilman O'Connor, Minniti and the mayor for a "meet and greet". I was told since I was not a resident I couldn't even stay and listen as there was "limited seating". This is the type of behavior from politicians who don't want to answer the hard questions from voters.

Last night's Town Council meeting was another display of how out of touch the Mayor and his Town Council are with Clark. They had no response to my comments about the tax increases Clark has had every year. They refuse to debate and refuse to have any agenda that's not in lockstep with the mayor. Meanwhile, the Mayor continues to talk all about things that happened almost 30 years ago but cannot point to what he is actually doing to keep Clark a vibrant community.

The current administration is living in the past and my candidacy is about propelling Clark into the future with safe streets, a police department that can take pride in their elected officials, teachers who have enough resources for our students to excel, and to make sure that hate has no place in town hall.

The news doesn't stop. Regardless of how anyone feels about the merits of the lawsuit, the three- year investigation and the cloud of controversy over our town needs to end. We need new leadership in Clark.

Clark whistleblower threatens to sue township as racism probe stretches into third year Clark Township has been embroiled in controversy since revelations that the mayor and police brass were caught on secret recordings using racial slurs.

Election Day is 5 weeks away. Current Council members will not debate. They are afraid to answer questions about how your tax dollars are spent.

A big thank you to everyone who came out to our BBQ last night including Senate President Scutari, County Commissioners Hudak, Granados, and Mirabella.

People have been asking what I would do if elected. Here are some of my ideas:
1. Public Safety: Increase traffic safety by supporting our local law enforcement and working with the County to help on the road where we share responsibility.
2. Curb over-development: Too much building has taken place without accounting for traffic, pressure on utilities and school overcrowding. We need to make sure we keep our small-town charm while not being left behind.
3. Term Limits: Our current elected officials have been in office for too long without oversight. Town Council is a way to give back to the community and not use it for personal gain. I would work to ensure that a person could only serve two terms in local office.
4. Increase Green Space: I will work with the County to develop the Clark Reservoir into a recreational space filled with hiking, fishing and picnic areas. This will also protect this space from developers.

A beautiful day to campaign in Lexington Village.


Come support the candidate who care about the future of Clark!!

The Fall campaign season starts next week. I am excited to keep meeting Ward 2 voters and explain why we need a change in leadership here in Clark.

Four Ward Seats Up on Clark Town Council This Year CLARK, NJ – This year, four Ward seats are up on the Clark Town Council.

Thank you CPD, CFD, EMTs and the Clark library for this special event! All the kids had a blast getting the chance to meet first responders and ride in their vehicles! 🚒🚓🚑

I hope to see you all tomorrow night supporting CPD.

Clark Township Police to Host 7th Annual National Night Out CLARK, NJ – The Clark Police Department is gearing up to host its 7th Annual National Night Out (NNO).

There are many people posting about the town’s proposed ordinance (22-09) regarding feeding animals. While the Council has been silent on their position, voters deserve to know where candidates stand on the issue.

There is no question that over-development has led to animals being more visible in suburban neighborhoods, including Clark. Some of these animals are dangerous or undesirable, like a bear. However, other animals, such as cats, fall into an entirely different legal category. Specifically, cats are protected under New Jersey animal cruelty laws.

Thus, there needs to be a compromise, between (1) those who find the increased animal population to be a nuisance (assuming there is evidence that there is an actual danger or nuisance) and (2) creating a TNR program, run by trained volunteers, that will reduce the amount of stray cats without a cost to tax-payers.

I have personally reviewed the proposed new ordinance and it is troublesome in a several ways. First, the “findings” are conclusory and not based upon any evidence presented at any public meetings. Moreover, the ordinance is vague and the definitions of “stray” animals are inconsistent with the NJ Dept. of Health’s categorization of animals, creating legal issues with the ordinance itself. The Ordinance also not only places enforcement on the Dept. of Health but also on Clark Police, who candidly, have more serious duties to perform in our town.

I encourage the Council to table a vote on the proposed ordinance and invite all stakeholders to discuss the matter openly. Only then should a determination be made on the necessity of such an ordinance and its parameters.

What a wonderful campaign kickoff event!! Had a blast meeting so many residents who share our goals for Clark.

Happy 4th of July!
I'll be at the fireworks tonight, and if you see me, please stop and say hello. Looking forward to seeing everyone.

Monster guide to July 4th fireworks, events in more than 140 N.J. towns Independence Day will fall on a Monday this year, but there are 4th of July celebrations planned throughout New Jersey over the next 10 days

Please come meet myself and my fellow candidates. Looking forward to seeing you there.

Pass the Word... 😊

I am excited to officially launch my campaign's page! I will be on the ballot in November as the Democratic Ward Two candidate. Please like and follow my page for campaign updates. I look forward to meeting all of the voters over the summer and fall so I can share my ideas for restoring Clark's values and pride.

Clark Dems Launch Full Slate in Write-In Campaign for Ward Seats - Union County Hawk By KATIE MOEN For Union County HAWK CLARK — Though Clark Democrats only had one official horse in Tuesday’s council Primary race, four members of the party will be appearing on the ballot in November thanks to a series of successful write-in campaigns. Michael Shulman, William Grzyb and David He...