VIDEO: Candidate Mike O'Brien

Michael O'Brien

A retired Montville Township High School history teacher, O'Brien moved to the township when he was hired as one of the first teachers at the school in 1968. He ended up staying and he and his wife raised their five children in town. O'Brien, who retired from teaching 2008, says he sees running for office as a natural extension of the civics lessons he taught his students.

Party: Democratic

Age: 65

Occupation: Retired Montville Township High School history teacher. Owner of Appraisal Associates of New Jersey Inc., a personal property appraisal business he started 25 years ago.

Education: Bachelor's in education and history from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Master's in educational administration from New Jersey City University.

Previous elected office sought or held: First ran for a seat on the Township Committee in 2005 and has run several times since.

Community involvement: Youth sports coach; Mustangs football announcer.

Biggest issues facing Township Committee: Making difficult budget decisions.
O'Brien says he would be a new, independent voice on the Township Committee and that he has not sought or accepted donations from any businesspeople, contractors or developers. He says he would bring honesty, integrity and open mindedness to the Township Committee.