Michelle Kalmanson to Replace Councilmember Andy Minegar as Democratic Candidate for Common Council Ward 1
The Summit Democrats will be supporting Michelle Kalmanson as the Democratic candidate for Common Council Ward 1, replacing Councilmember Andy Minegar on the November ballot.
Summit, New Jersey – The Summit Democrats announced today that the organization will be supporting Michelle Kalmanson as the Democratic candidate for Common Council Ward 1, replacing Councilmember Andy Minegar on the November ballot.
“I have had the privilege of getting to know Michelle Kalmanson over the years because of her willingness to continually step up and help her fellow neighbors,” said Summit Democrats Chair Greg Vartan. “From fighting for transparency and fairness, to her inspiring volunteer efforts, Michelle is always raising her hand to give back to the community she loves. I am so proud that she is stepping up once again to run for Common Council, and I can’t wait for Ward 1 voters to meet her and hear more about her vision to move Summit forward.”
Since moving to Summit, Kalmanson has been an active member of the community. She will serve as Co-President of the Washington Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) in the 2024-2025 school year. She previously served as Vice President of the Washington Elementary School PTO in 2023-2024, was a member of the Wilson Primary Center PTO, and served as Chair of the Santa Claus Shop in 2023, an organization that provides complimentary holiday shopping to area families.
“As a parent, volunteer, and neighbor, it is incredibly important to me that we all work together to make Summit an even better community for us to live and raise our families in,” said Michelle Kalmanson. “Over the last few months, I have gotten to know so many Summit residents who are looking for local leaders who will listen to and address their concerns–from strengthening our schools, to enhancing public safety and ensuring the rules are applied evenly across all neighborhoods. If I am elected to represent Ward 1 on the Summit Common Council, I promise to always listen to my neighbors and deliver meaningful results.”
“During my time on Council, I have gotten to know Michelle Kalmanson as a hardworking, thoughtful and honest advocate for our community,” said Councilmember Minegar. “She is always looking to make Summit an even better place to live, and I have no doubt she would be a refreshing voice on the Summit Common Council.”
On Common Council, Councilmember Minegar has always prioritized fiscal responsibility, advanced pedestrian and traffic safety initiatives, supported law enforcement, advocated for transparency in government, championed sustainability initiatives, advocated for more accessibility and inclusivity across all of Summit’s playgrounds, and so much more. Under Councilmember Minegar’s leadership, the City of Summit modernized its event registration software; expanded and made summer camp sign-up more equitable; cleaned up its post-pandemic parklet rules; expanded short-term parking along the length of Union Place; saved taxpayer dollars through an overhaul of its rideshare program; and listened to the needs of Summit families by incorporating sensory play elements such as musical instruments into the Mabie Playground renovation design.
“Serving my community as a member of the Summit Common Council has been an honor, and I look forward to continuing to represent all residents for the remainder of my term through the end of this year,” added Minegar.
“I would like to thank Councilmember Minegar for his years of outstanding service to Summit,” said Chair Vartan. “It has been an honor to work alongside Andy, and his wisdom, insight, humor and tireless dedication to the people of Summit will be missed.”
There are two Summit Common Council seats on the November ballot. In addition to Kalmanson, Claire Toth is running for Ward 2 Summit Common Council.
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