MORRIS COUNTY — Heather Darling, a 42 year Morris County resident, is running for the open Morris County Freeholder seat vacated by Hank Lyon. Although she is a businesswoman, not a politician, Heather has been involved in Morris County politics for some time, having served as President of the Republican Club of Roxbury for four years and Secretary of the Club for the nine years prior. She also served on the Board of the Morris County Women’s Republican Club.
“I believe that the public has sent a clear message that they no longer want career politicians or those selected by the current candidates to further their own positions with a “yes” vote. I intend to bring a fresh perspective to the Freeholder Board and am fully in touch with the issues within the county,” Darling stated.
Darling’s multi-faceted platform includes bringing economic growth through business expansion and job growth to Morris County through supporting free enterprise and small business. She intends to do this by encouraging programs at County College of Morris and Morris County Vo-Tech, both in-house and through relationships with other New Jersey schools, that will provide a viable labor force for both small and large business in Morris County as one of the most frequent complaints by business owners is the unavailability of highly-qualified and skilled employees. She intends to encourage municipalities to work cohesively to create a countywide map including preservation of open space with residential and economic expansion areas that would lead to a financially prosperous Morris County offering quality recreation areas including our many parks and lakes. Reducing residential taxes through expanding viable business in Morris County is a key focus which may be addressed by creating planned business zones, rather than the random projects which have lead to the many empty hulking office buildings around the area. Programs for seniors, people with disabilities and veterans must continue to offer the care and resources needed and cannot be cut for other projects. Finally, infrastructure in Morris County, most visibly our roads, must be addressed with the proper attention and projects must be supervised to ensure quality results.
Heather Darling has dedicated much of her time to community service as vice-chair of the Roxbury Economic Development Committee, member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment and Environmental Commission, board member of the Roxbury Chamber of Commerce and president of a group of volunteers that implemented a dog park in Roxbury. She is also an alumnus of the Morris County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Morris program. This program is designed for those looking to become future leaders in Morris County with an eye toward public and community service.
Professionally, Heather Darling is principal of The Darling Law Firm and President of her family’s real estate business. Through this, Darling has experience with budgets, managing employees and seeking bids for commercial projects. As an attorney, Heather volunteers her time as a Special Civil Mediator and Early Settlement Panelist in the Morris and Sussex County Courts along with her participation in both State and local public defender programs where lawyers are paid a fractional rate to assist those who cannot afford representation. She has volunteered with the Morris County Housing Partnership and the County College of Morris Women’s Center. Darling was admitted to membership to the NJ Bar in 2003, NY Bar in 2004, and PA Bar in 2013. She is also a member of the Morris County Bar Association.
Heather received her Juris Doctorate from Seton Hall University School of Law, Newark, New Jersey in May 2002 where she participated in the Fair Housing Clinic program. Prior to attending law school, Heather graduated from the New York University, Stern School of Business receiving her Bachelor of Science in Finance and International Business. While attending Stern, she was elected to serve on the Student Council. Darling worked in the New York and New Jersey financial markets for the next four years until joining her family’s real estate business.
Darling’s level of discipline and commitment is evident in her past success as competitive bodybuilder wherein she won the New Jersey State Bodybuilding Championships in 2002, 2005 and 2011, the NPC Suburban Bodybuilding Championships in 2002 and 2005 and the East Coast Bodybuilding Championships Heavy Weight class in 2009. Today, she is still an avid fitness buff and can be seen walking her rescue dog around her Succasunna neighborhood. Heather’s affiliations also include associate membership in the Italian American Police Society of New Jersey, membership in the Morris County 200 Club, past service on the board of Noah’s Ark animal shelter and participation in the Morris County Clerk’s Operation Give Back program offering discounted services to veterans.
For more information about Heather Darling for Freeholder, visit her Facebook page by clicking here or email DarlingForFreeholder@gmail.com.
