New Voices Seek Mendham Township Committee Seats: Ryan Guthrie and Melissa Saharko Aim to Put Your Bottom Line Above the Party Line

MENDHAM TOWNSHIP– Community volunteers Ryan Guthrie, 33, and Melissa Saharko, 36, are entering local politics for the first time to run for two seats on the Mendham Township Committee.

The two are both young parents and newcomers to politics. They hope to bring the perspective of the next generation of Mendham residents to the Township Committee. They both possess deep professional experience as problem solvers.

“I’ve devoted my career to helping people make good financial decisions and plan for the future,” Guthrie said. “I will bring the same passion, skills, and professionalism to this office if I’m lucky enough to serve.”

Guthrie, a graduate of Mendham High School, is a Vice President Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. He received his degree in Economics from the University of Vermont. Immediately after moving back to town, Guthrie began giving back to the community, volunteering on the Ad Hoc Facilities Committee and the Master Plan Re-examination Committee. He is also Vice Chair of the Board of Adjustment. Guthrie lives with his wife, Taylor, who was born and raised in Mendham Township. Ryan and Taylor have two daughters, ages 1 and 3. Taylor is a consultant and entrepreneur. She also is on the Mendham Township Library Board of Trustees and leads Tinkergarten outdoor classes in Mendham.

Melissa Saharko brings her commitment to creative solutions and stellar constituent service to her candidacy. Saharko grew up on a farm in rural Texas and is proud to call Mendham Township her new home. A graduate of Texas A&M University, she began her career at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library. That opportunity launched a career of public service in museums and libraries that includes stints at the Smithsonian Institution and the Library of Congress.

She holds a masters in library science and serves on the Township’s Historic Preservation Committee. She is using the skills she learned in graduate school in an ambitious effort to digitize the town’s records. Saharko lives with her husband, Peter, and their son, 5, and daughter, 2. Their daughter is in the Tiny Tigers program, and their son will start kindergarten at Mendham Township Elementary School this fall.

“We moved to Mendham in part because of the impressive reputation of the school system and the pastoral nature of the community,” Saharko said. “We have been impressed by the services offered by the school and the community’s engagement. Serving on the Historic Preservation Committee has taught me so much about Mendham’s rich history. That combination of fertile past and bright future inspire me to work to ensure Mendham remains a desirable place to live.”

Want to learn more? Check out <www.ryanandmelissaformendham.com>.