Denise Wilkerson officially announced her intention to run for Mayor of the Borough of Roselle in the November election. The candidate says her governing experience, proven leadership skills, and integrity make her the right choice to fill Christine Dansereau’s unexpired term.

“I am running for Mayor because leadership matters,” Wilkerson said. “Roselle needs a new generation of leaders that fight for what’s best for every resident. At a time when it’s so easy to feel like the government doesn’t have your back, Roselle needs a Mayor who has proven that she is unapologetically for the people.”

Currently the Councilwoman-at-Large, Wilkerson has been Council President for the last two years. Now in her third year on Council, she noted that she has served in almost all areas of Borough government including as Chairwoman of the Governance, Finance, Redevelopment, and Recreation Committees and as a member of the Planning Board, Public Safety, and DPW Committees. She spearheaded the formation of the Borough’s COVID-19 team in February, and immediately following Mayor Dansereau’s resignation, served as acting mayor.

From her first day on Council, Wilkerson said she has focused on delivering “tangible results that improve the quality of life of Roselle residents.”

According to a release issued by the candidate:

“She launched the 1^st Ward Action Committee, has resolved hundreds of resident issues, committed Borough resources to long-overdue road paving projects, successfully lobbied for a $1 million state grant for a special needs park, and has connected countless residents to valuable resources during the pandemic – all while stabilizing municipal taxes, including a 0% municipal tax increase this year.”

Outside of government, Wilkerson said she has made it her life’s mission to empower women, entrepreneurs, and youth. She founded Abounding Women Community Outreach Empowerment Conferences, hosted entrepreneur workshops for Roselle small businesses, and conducted civics and leadership workshops with local high school students. She has served on the boards of the local NAACP, NCNW, and is President of Union County NOW.

Wilkerson said she’s running for mayor in response to residents who asked. “There is no greater honor than having the people you serve ask you to represent them in a greater capacity,” she said. “I am humbled by it.”