Wayne Township, NJ – Wayne Democrats announce its "Working for Wayne" slate of candidates for the upcoming Wayne 2025 town-wide elections, offering experienced leadership, fiscal responsibility, transparency, and community. The slate is led by Donald Pavlak for Mayor and includes Council-at-Large candidates Wayne 5th Ward Councilwoman Francine Ritter, and committed Wayne residents Dylan Orren-King, and Dr. Corey McKinney.

Mayoral Candidate Donald Pavlak
Don Pavlak, a lifelong Wayne resident, announces his candidacy for Mayor, pledging to Work for Wayne with integrity and leadership. With over 34 years as a police officer and 20 years on the Wayne Board of Education—many as president—Pavlak has a proven record of service.

His deep community involvement includes serving as a firefighter, first aid squad member, youth sports coach, high school teacher, and adjunct professor of criminal justice. He has also volunteered at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital and is a member of Our Lady of Consolation Church and the 200 Club of Passaic County.
"Wayne has been my lifelong home, and I’m committed to its future," said Pavlak. "As Mayor, I will prioritize fiscal responsibility, public safety, education, and quality-of-life improvements
while keeping taxes stable."

Pavlak’s platform includes responsible budgeting, supporting first responders, enhancing education, improving infrastructure, and fostering economic development. "I will work tirelessly to ensure Wayne remains a strong, safe, and thriving community".

Council-at-Large Candidates Francine Ritter, Dylan Orren-King and Dr. Corey McKinney

Fran Ritter, a financial services attorney for nearly 30 years and current Wayne 5th Ward Councilwoman, has been a strong advocate for transparency and community safety. As Councilwoman, Fran secured a $15 million federal road safety grant for the redesign and reconstruction of Valley Road as well as the installation of a sidewalk across from Wayne Hills High School to facilitate safe crossing of Berdan Avenue. Fran seeks a Council-At-Large seat to continue her broad representation of Wayne and her advocacy for alternatives to Wayne’s residential over-development. Fran is also focused on building up Wayne’s economic development to diversify its commercial tax base and to help offset residential property taxes.

Dylan Orren-King, a lifelong Wayne resident, graduate within the Wayne School District, and student at Montclair State University studying political science, Dylan has volunteered with various Wayne organizations including Wayne’s Community Emergency Response Team, and has been a lifelong summer camp counselor working with age groups ranging from elementary to high school students. Dylan was also involved in the political campaign of Mikie Sherrill, campaigning with her throughout northern New Jersey. Passionate about Wayne’s future, Dylan advocates for solutions to Wayne’s residential over-development, and working towards attracting younger generations of Wayne to remain in the township as lifelong residents.

Dr. Corey McKinney, a retired educator and administrator with 30 plus years of service, responsible for shaping thousands of young lives. Before accepting his teaching position with the Passaic School System, His career began as a teacher for the Passaic County Technical and Vocational Board of Education where he taught High School along with serving as an Adult High School Principal of PCTI. Corey is dedicated to maintaining Wayne’s family-friendly atmosphere that he and his family has grown accustomed to while fostering positive change through education and service. He is committed to finding sustainable solutions to Wayne's over-development concerns.

Together, the "Working for Wayne" slate is ready to tackle the challenges ahead, ensuring Wayne is a safe and thriving community for all while addressing the growing issue of residential over-development and stabilizing Wayne’s property taxes.