Politics & Government
County Clerk a 'Big Job' Jefferson Councilman Seeks
Michael Sanchelli says he's 'ready' for challenges of position, plans aggressive campaign.
Being elected this year as Morris County clerk would be like going back to the beginning for Jefferson Councilman Michael Sanchelli.
He was an election clerk 21 years ago under then-county clerk Al Scerbo. He followed that job with a position with the Morris County Board of Elections.
Running the numerous elections held each year in Morris County is one of the key duties of the county clerk.
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“It’s a big job,” Sanchelli said. "I’m ready."
Sanchelli is one of several Morris County officials who has expressed an interest in the county clerk’s post, which opened when Clerk Joan Bramhall announced she was not seeking a fourth five-year term.
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Freeholders Douglas Cabana, of Boonton Township, a 16-year veteran on the board, and Ann Grossi, of Parsippany, in her first three-year term, have indicated an interest in replacing Bramhall. Grossi said she is not seeking another freeholder term.
State Assemblyman Michael Patrick Carroll, of Morris Township, who has served in the legislature since 1996, expressed an early interest. But he then later told Patch he is favoring seeking re-election to his current 25th Legislative District seat.
Sanchelli has been a Jefferson councilman for 14 years and works as a public works inspector in the county’s public works division.
He said his experience in the clerk’s office gives him an understanding of how the complex department works.
The clerk oversees elections, records real estate transactions and maintains real estate records, such as deeds and mortgages, issues passports and records and maintains certain other public records.
Sanchelli said the response to his announcement was positive, and many friends and supporters have stepped forward to help with his campaign.
He said his campaign team is nearly complete and, once assembled, they will begin an aggressive door-to-door effort to speak with voters about his qualifications.
“I’m an optimist,” Sanchelli said. "I talk about when I win, not if.”
The filing date for the June 4 primary election is April 1.
