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South Orange & Maplewood Grapple with New Political Landscape

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, February 8th 2026 at 10:30 GMT by Patch
      Locales: New Jersey, UNITED STATES

SOUTH ORANGE & MAPLEWOOD, NJ - February 8th, 2026 - A look at the ongoing developments in South Orange and Maplewood reveals a community navigating a new political landscape, grappling with concerns about equity in education, and enduring the ongoing disruptions of vital infrastructure projects.

Shifting Sands: Reflecting on the 2025 Municipal Elections and Looking Ahead

The dust has settled on the November 7th, 2025 municipal elections, which saw Seth Reiss, Geoff Martinez, and Victor De Luca secure trustee positions in South Orange. Their victory over challengers Deborah Engel and Joyce Newton signals a continuation of established leadership in the village. The numbers - Martinez with 1,425 votes, De Luca at 1,346, and Reiss at 1,318 - indicate a clear preference among voters for the incumbent slate.

Maplewood also saw a change in leadership, with Deborah Engel (1,447 votes) and Frank McGehee (1,178 votes) winning seats, defeating Michael Mastromarino and India Brooks. The impressive 40% voter turnout across both towns highlights a level of civic engagement that is encouraging, especially in local elections. It raises questions about what issues drove this participation and how the newly elected officials intend to respond to the concerns of their constituents.

Now, two months after the election, residents are keen to see how these new boards will address pressing issues such as property taxes, local business support, and the ongoing need for improvements to community infrastructure. Early indicators suggest a focus on responsible fiscal management and sustainable development, but detailed plans remain under development. A town hall meeting is scheduled for February 22nd to provide a platform for residents to directly engage with their elected officials and discuss these critical priorities.

Columbia High School Students Make Their Voices Heard

The recent student walkout at Columbia High School, held on Tuesday morning, underscored growing student anxieties surrounding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the school district. The protest, sparked by perceived reductions in support for DEI programs, demonstrates a powerful commitment from the student body to fostering a more inclusive and equitable learning environment.

This isn't simply a local issue; it mirrors a national trend of student activism pushing for greater representation and social justice within educational institutions. The students' frustration stems from concerns that previously established DEI programs are being scaled back, leaving gaps in support for underrepresented student groups. While school officials have engaged with student leaders to address their concerns, the long-term impact of these discussions remains to be seen.

The situation highlights the challenges schools face in balancing budgetary constraints with the imperative of providing a truly equitable education for all students. The student organizers have indicated they are forming a permanent DEI advocacy group to work with the school administration on long-term solutions. The administration is expected to release a report on DEI funding and program effectiveness next month.

Portal North Bridge & Gateway Tunnel: A Commuter's Endurance Test

The ongoing construction of the Portal North Bridge and the Gateway New Jersey Hudson River Tunnel Project continues to present significant challenges for commuters. The replacement of the century-old tunnels, vital for regional rail service, is a critical undertaking, but progress is not without disruption. Delays, which have plagued the project for months, are expected to persist, impacting rail schedules and adding to commute times.

The Hudson River Tunnel Project is a multi-billion dollar initiative aimed at preventing catastrophic failures of the existing infrastructure. While the long-term benefits - improved reliability, increased capacity, and reduced congestion - are widely acknowledged, the short-term pain is undeniable. Transit officials are attempting to mitigate the impact through increased communication and alternative transportation options, but these measures offer limited relief.

The project, initially slated for completion in 2027, is now facing potential delays due to supply chain issues and unforeseen geological challenges. Commuters are understandably frustrated, and pressure is mounting on project managers to accelerate the timeline without compromising safety. Recent reports indicate the possibility of overnight track closures extending into the spring, further exacerbating the disruption. Local businesses are also feeling the strain, with reduced foot traffic due to the difficulties in accessing the area.