MORRIS TOWNSHIP - With many Democrats these days embracing the label of Democratic Socialism, it's no surprise that the debate has filtered down to the local level.

And that brings us to Morris Township, a once-Republican, but now Democratic-controlled town that surrounds Morristown.

Democrats now hold all five seats on the township committee, but the GOP is trying to get back in the game. Three seats are up this year.

A recent statement from the Morris County Republican Committee focuses on Stephanie Lyon, one of the Democratic candidates.

Here is the gist of the statement by Laura Ali, the GOP county chair:

"The Morris County Republican Committee is calling on Morris Township Committee (Democratic) candidates Stephanie Lyon, Samantha Rothman and Jeremy Godwin to clarify whether Lyon’s publicly

expressed support for democratic socialism and opposition to capitalism would influence their approach to local government.
In statements attributed to her TikTok account, @steviephd, in the candidates’ press release, Lyon described herself as 'an unapologetic, outspoken liberal and anti-capitalist.'  She also stated: 'If you are afraid of the
rising tide of democratic socialism in American politics, explain yourself.'

Morris Township residents deserve to know whether the socialist politics Stephanie Lyon has embraced would shape decisions about their taxes, local businesses and the future of their community. Voters have every right to ask candidates what they believe and how those beliefs would affect the way they govern.”

Ali's overall point here is easy to see.

Lyon has expressed support for socialism. So, what say her running mates?

Here is a statement from George Quillan, the Morris Township Democratic chair:

"I'm very happy with the three Democratic candidates we have for Township Committee this year.  They are younger than most of the people who've run in the Township on both the Dem and Republican side in the last decade, and they're smart, energetic, and caring.  They don't all agree about every issue, which I think is healthy.  They represent the diversity of opinion in our electorate, and they're working very well together on the campaign."

The three Republicans seeking committee seats are George Talarico, Joscelin Grizzetti and John Biehl. SaId Ali::

“Our Republican candidates are focused on accountable government, careful spending and making sure residents understand where their money is going, This election is an opportunity for voters to ask

which approach best serves Morris Township.”