Township Committee Member Lester Lewis-Powder, the only incumbent up for re-election this year, has decided not to run, according to sources in the Maplewood Democratic Committee.

Lewis-Powder, who is in his first term, could not be reached for comment. But sources in the party said he notified them as recently as today that he would not seek another term on the five-person committee.

This would mean a wide-open race for Township Committee, with the first open seat in many years up for grabs in November.

"I'm sorry that Lester doesn't want to run for re-election," TC Member Jerry Ryan told us. "I liked
                                    working with him, and I liked his thoughtful approach to problem solving."
                                    

 Mayor Vic De Luca issued a statement in response to the news. It can be found HERE.

The Maplewood Democratic Committee recently sought candidates for the position, a move that will likely spark more interested folks than if the incumbent remained in the race.

The Democratic Committee's call for candidates can be found HERE. The Democratic and Republican primaries are set for June.

More details to come as they develop.