Former Mayor Jerry Murphy Calls for Sparta Voters to Engage Ahead of 2025 Election

In a candid letter dated October 21, 2025, former Sparta Mayor Jerry Murphy urged residents of ZIP code 07871 to become more involved in local governance.

 

He highlighted the alarmingly low voter turnout—only 19%—in the recent Sparta Board of Education bond referendum, attributing it to widespread apathy and misinformation.

 

Murphy expressed concern over the current state of the Sparta Township Council, particularly criticizing council newcomers Mark Scott and Marjory Murphy, a husband-wife duo elected in November 2024.

 

He accused them of promoting a hand-picked candidate to fill a vacant seat, a move that led to Mayor Christine Quinn walking out of a meeting in protest.

 

Additionally, Murphy criticized former council member Molly Whilesmith for her disengagement during her final term.

 

He labeled the current council and municipal attorney - formerly affiliated with the SRD group, now rebranded as "Spartans Against Development" or S.A.D. - as an "embarrassment."

 

Murphy endorsed Mike Sylvester to fill the unexpired council term, praising him as a respected businessman and public servant with no hidden agenda.

 

Sylvester, a former member of the planning and zoning boards, is running under the slogan: "Financial Accountability and People Over Politics."

 

His opponent, Molly Whilesmith, a former mayor and councilwoman, is campaigning with the motto: "Experience Matters. No Mega-Warehouses."

 

The seat became available after Dan Chiariello resigned in April.

 

Murphy urged voters to look beyond warehouse-related rhetoric and vote with clarity in the upcoming November election.

 

For more information, visit Sparta Township or call (973) 729-4493.