Rockaway Borough Council · Nov 3, 2026

Melissa
Burnside

Melissa Burnside, the incumbent, is running for Rockaway Borough Council in the Nov 3, 2026 election; 4 candidates are running for 2 seats.

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Nov 3Election Day

The race · Borough Council

About: Rockaway Borough Council President in 2026, beginning her 20th year on the council.
On the ballot as: Republican

9 sourced

01Data centers1 sourced position

Voted yes to introduce Ordinance 26-17, codifying the prohibition of data centers as a land use (introduced 6-0, Aug. 2026); absent for the Sept. 2026 adoption vote.
Council voteBorough of Rockaway · Sep 10, 2026 Link

02Water and sewer rates1 sourced position

Voted yes on Ordinance 26-12, raising water and sewer rates and fees (passed 4-2, June 2026).
Council voteBorough of Rockaway · Jun 11, 2026 Link How the council voted

03Staff salaries1 sourced position

Voted yes on Ordinance 26-11, setting salary ranges for borough and water utility jobs (passed 4-1, June 2026).
Council voteBorough of Rockaway · Jun 11, 2026 Link How the council voted

04Construction dumpsters1 sourced position

Voted no on Ordinance 26-07, permit standards for construction dumpsters (failed 2-3, March 2026). She said the fee had not been finalized.
Council voteBorough of Rockaway · Mar 26, 2026 Link

05Volunteer firefighters1 sourced position

Reported that she and the Fire Committee continue developing a volunteer firefighter incentive program (June 2026).
Own statementBorough of Rockaway · Jun 25, 2026 Link

06Affordable housing1 sourced position

Voted yes on Ordinance 26-05, updating affordable housing rules to meet the borough's Round Four obligations (adopted 6-0, March 2026).
Council voteBorough of Rockaway · Mar 12, 2026 Link How the council voted

07Budget and taxes1 sourced position

Voted yes on Resolution 136-26, introducing the 2026 municipal budget with a 2.84% municipal tax increase (approved 6-0, June 2026).
Council voteBorough of Rockaway · Jun 11, 2026 Link How the council voted

08Traffic safety1 sourced position

Voted no on introducing Ordinance 26-14, a stop sign at Chestnut Terrace and Lakeside Drive (failed 2-4, June 2026).
Council voteBorough of Rockaway · Jun 25, 2026 Link How the council voted

09VOTE411 questionnaire1 sourced position

Had not responded to the League of Women Voters VOTE411 candidate questionnaire as of Oct. 20, 2026.
Own statementVOTE411 (League of Women Voters)Link

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