JASON
KARR
for Mayor of Morris Plains
Commitment · Community · LeadershipA proven record. A stronger Morris Plains. Seven years leading the Borough through storms, a pandemic, and steady growth — with the experience to keep going.
A lifelong neighbor,
now running independent.
Jason Karr has spent nearly two decades in Morris Plains government — first as a Borough Council member, then eleven years as Chairman of the Finance Committee, and since 2019, as Mayor. He's steered the Borough through a pandemic, multiple storm emergencies, and a state housing mandate, while keeping budget increases under the 2% cap.
"My focus continues to be Morris Plains — our quality of life, and the safety of its residents."
This year, Jason is running as an Independent, asking voters to judge him on results, not party lines. In 2025, Governor Phil Murphy appointed him to the Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital Board of Trustees, and he currently serves as First Vice President of the Morris County League of Municipalities.
Delivering results
for Morris Plains.
Every line below is something Jason has actually done in office — not a promise for later.
Prioritizes public safety for residents
Member of the 200 Club, funded body cams and re-implemented bike patrol for the Morris Plains Police Department.
Protected nearly 10 acres of open space
Preserved community character along the brook on Mountain Way, partly funded by the Morris County Open Space Trust Fund.
Reduced high-density housing required under the state mandate
Negotiated down the number of high-density units the Borough was required to build.
Fiscal responsibility in action
Budget increases capped under 2% every year from 2019 to 2024, and a municipal property tax reduction in 2022.
Managed storm crises with calm, decisive leadership
A consistent approach — assess, implement, follow through — through every major weather emergency in office.
Broadened the business tax base
Welcomed nearly 30 new businesses and filled vacant office space along Speedwell Ave and the Route 53 corridor.
Appointed to the Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital Board of Trustees
Appointed by Governor Phil Murphy in 2025.
First Vice President, Morris County League of Municipalities
Also serves on the NJ State League of Municipalities Governance Sub-Committee.
Nearly two decades
of local service.
From Council member to Council President to Mayor — a steady climb built on committee work, not headlines.
Elected to Morris Plains Borough Council
Also joined the Finance Committee and chaired the Public Health, Sanitation & Sewer Committee through 2010.
Named Council President; Finance Committee Chairman
Appointed Council President for the first time and took over as Chairman of the Finance Committee, a role he held through 2018.
Appointed Council President again
Continued to serve on the Shared Services Committee, working across Morris Plains, the Board of Education, and Morris County to consolidate services and save taxpayer dollars.
Elected Mayor of Morris Plains
Took office as Mayor, bringing eleven years of Council and Finance Committee experience to the Borough's top seat.
Led Morris Plains through the pandemic
Navigated the Borough through the COVID-19 pandemic while securing nearly $2 million in grant funding during his term.
Appointed to the Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital Board of Trustees
Appointed by Governor Phil Murphy; also currently First VP of the Morris County League of Municipalities.
Running as an Independent for Mayor
Seeking re-election on his record — commitment, community, and leadership for a stronger Morris Plains.
Accomplishments & goals.
What Jason has gotten done in office — and what he's still working toward.
Accomplishments
- Successfully navigated Morris Plains through the pandemic
- Secured nearly $2 million in grant funding during his term as Mayor
- Welcomed nearly 30 new businesses and filled vacant office space
- Maintained bi-partisan relationships across local, county, state, and federal officials
- Consolidated services with Morris County and neighboring municipalities, resulting in fiscal savings
- Kept property tax increases within the 2% mandated state cap, with a reduction in 2022
- Added hybrid vehicles and charging stations to the Borough fleet
- Preserved open space along the brook on Mountain Way
- Funded the Police Department with upgraded technology, security, and body cams
- Funded the Fire Department with a new ladder truck and a refurbished 20+ year old engine
- Funded Public Works by refurbishing two fleet vehicles, saving taxpayer dollars
Goals
- Continue upgrading the Borough's technology, including more virtual services
- Begin upgrading playground equipment in Borough parks
- Continue attracting small and large business along Speedwell Ave and the Route 53 corridor
- Keep listening to all residents' ideas and suggestions
- Continue seeking and applying for grants — charging stations, hybrid and electric vehicles, recreation, and open space
- Maintain fiscal responsibility to maximize services and Borough activities
The passion I have for Morris Plains and our residents is evident through my constant dedication — to the Borough's financial stability, our quality of life, and the safety of every resident.