Clara T. Harelik, Esq. was appointed by Governor Chris Christie on March 10 to her fourth two-year term as commissioner to the Union County Board of Elections. She serves as the commissioner of registration. The Board of Elections oversees the electoral process for all 21 municipalities in the county of Union.

Prior to serving as a commissioner, Ms. Harelik served for nine years as a committeewoman on the Springfield township committee. During those nine years, she served three terms as mayor and two terms as deputy mayor. She was the first, and remains the only, woman in the 222-year history of Springfield’s municipal government to serve as mayor three times. She was also the first woman to receive the Union County Mayor-of-the-Year Award from the Gateway Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Over the years, Ms. Harelik has served on numerous boards and committees at both the local and county levels and hosted the television cable show “Speaking of Springfield.” For the State of New Jersey, Ms. Harelik served as a mediator and hearing officer for the Early Intervention Program for Children. In addition, Ms. Harelik has been the recipient of many awards for her service to the community including the Union County Women’s Political Caucus Notable Women in Politics Award, the Millburn/Springfield Kiwanis Club Humanitarian and Leadership Award and the B’nai B’rith Citizenship and Civic Affairs Award, and, together with her husband, Jay Mevorah, she was honored by New Jersey State of Israel Bonds.

Ms. Harelik is a life member of Jewish Women International, a life member of Hadassah and a member of Congregation Israel of Springfield and its Sisterhood. She is also involved with the Friendship Circle and the Jewish Learning Center of Springfield.

Ms. Harelik is a practicing attorney with her own law firm in Springfield. Ms. Harelik resides in Springfield with her husband and their three children.