DUNELLEN, NJ – The Dunellen’s Future Together Team today announced its 2026 Borough Council slate, with candidates filing petitions ahead of the March 23 deadline. Incumbent Council President Crisol-Iris Lantz will seek re-election, while Councilwoman Elizabeth VanDermark is running for a full term.

Crisol-Iris Lantz, first sworn in to the Borough Council in 2024, has lived in Dunellen for nearly ten years, where she and her husband Ken are raising their family. Prior to running for Council,
she was actively involved in recreation and traffic safety initiatives. Professionally, Lantz has worked in education for 17 years, serving in roles ranging from teacher to Director of Education, with a strong passion for helping others grow.

Over the past three years, Lantz has worked closely with the Mayor and Council on several key initiatives, including advocating for the revitalization of downtown Dunellen, improving pedestrian safety as a leader of the Mayor’s Traffic & Pedestrian Safety Task Force, and supporting responsible budgeting as a member of the Finance Committee. She has also served as a council liaison to several borough organizations, including Parks & Recreation, the Arts, Inclusion & Culture Commission, the Planning Board, the Board of Education, and the Downtown Management Organization.

Her contributions include work on the Mayor’s Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Task Force, the Complete Streets project with the New Jersey Department of Transportation, and the Master Plan Re-Examination Steering Committee—advancing pedestrian safety, sustainable infrastructure, and downtown revitalization. Inspired by her family and Dunellen’s strong sense of community, Lantz remains committed to making the borough an even better place to live. In recognition of her leadership, she was unanimously appointed Council President for 2026.

“It has been an honor to serve the residents of Dunellen, and I’m proud of the progress we’ve made together,” said Lantz. “From improving pedestrian safety to strengthening our downtown, we’ve focused on thoughtful, responsible growth. I’m running for re-election to continue building on that momentum and ensuring Dunellen remains a safe, vibrant place for all Dunellen families.”

Elizabeth “Liz” VanDermark, who was unanimously appointed to fill the council seat previously held by her late husband, Councilman Harold “Hal” VanDermark, brings more than 38 years of community involvement. She raised her family in Dunellen alongside her husband and has long been an active member of the community.

With a professional background in management and customer service, VanDermark quickly adapted to her role on Council. She continues a legacy of public service while establishing her own voice, focusing on practical solutions and community-centered leadership.

In her time on Council, VanDermark has participated in the hiring process for police officers having served as Chair of the Police & Public Safety Committee. She is also active on the Finance Committee, helping to ensure fiscal responsibility, and serves as liaison to the Office of Emergency Management, the Dunellen Rescue Squad, and on the Fire Department Committee.

“Dunellen has been home to me for a long time, and serving this community is deeply personal,” said VanDermark. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue that service, building on the foundation my husband helped create while working to address today’s challenges with care, collaboration, and common sense.”

Lantz and VanDermark have earned the full endorsement of the Dunellen Republican Organization. Additionally, Mayor Jason F. Cilento has expressed strong support for both candidates.

“Crisol-Iris and Liz have demonstrated a strong commitment to our community and a willingness to put in the work to move Dunellen forward,” said Mayor Cilento. “They bring thoughtful leadership, real experience, and a shared focus on what matters most to our residents. I’m proud to support their candidacies.”

Lantz and VanDermark look forward to connecting with residents in the coming months, meeting voters door-to-door as they work to earn support ahead of Election Day in November. Their campaign is focused on doing what’s best for Dunellen—an effort that transcends political affiliation and prioritizes the borough’s future. Lantz and VanDermark emphasize that their goal is not partisan politics, but serving all who proudly call New Jersey’s Miracle Mile home.