Sussex County Commissioner Director Jill Space and Frankford Mayor Dave Silverthorne launch 2025 campaign for county commissioner
Touting conservative values and a record of proven results, pair kicks off campaign with overwhelming support from Sussex County GOP leaders
SUSSEX COUNTY, NJ – Sussex County Commissioner Director Jill Space and Frankford Township Mayor Dave Silverthorne announced today their intention to run as a team in the 2025 race for Sussex County Commissioner.
“As a local business owner with generations of family who call Sussex County home, I am deeply committed to the county’s future prosperity and the well-being of its residents,” said Director Space. “Providing competent, responsive government to our residents while keeping costs as low as possible has been the Republican Commissioners’ Board mantra for years.”
As a member of the Budget Committee, Space helped direct $100,000 earmarked for Sussex Technical High School to save a popular vocational program from cuts. She also played a key role in appointing three new members to Sussex Tech’s School Board, including a new President and Vice President who are committed to growing the school and steering it in a positive direction.
Space has also been instrumental in creating a Veterans’ Support Group in the county, acquiring two new buses for the County’s “Skyline Ride” fleet, and supporting grant funding for struggling small businesses – providing over $2 million in relief and $440,000 to local first responders after the pandemic. She also served as an elected 2016 Trump delegate, representing New Jersey on the platform committee.
On the ticket this year, Commissioner Space is excited to be joined by Frankford Township Mayor Dave Silverthorne.
“In Frankford Township, we have shown that a common-sense conservative approach to governance works,” said Mayor Silverthorne. “I look forward to bringing that experience to the Sussex County Board of Commissioners and building on their recent successes.”
As Mayor and a member of the Township Committee, Silverthorne has implemented conservative fiscal policies to pay off all outstanding municipal debt, utilized shared services with neighboring municipalities and county government to lessen the local tax burden, and called for a 10% reduction in waste from municipal department heads.
Silverthorne has also delivered results for Frankford and surrounding towns. He led a joint project to address a stormwater flooding issue that affected both Branchville Borough and Frankford, primarily funded by state grants. He also organized and oversaw a meeting with the New Jersey State Police Barracks Commander, Sussex County Sheriff, and municipal officials who rely on the NJ State Police for primary law enforcement, fostering improved communication between all parties to keep local communities safe.
The Space-Silverthorne ticket also announced endorsements from: Senator Parker Space, Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia, Assemblyman Mike Inganamort, Sheriff Mike Strada, County Commissioner Chris Carney, Franklin Mayor John Sowden, Fredon Mayor Glenn Dietz, Hampton Township Mayor Tim Dooley, Hardyston Mayor Frank Cicerale, Hopatcong Mayor Marie Galate, Lafayette Mayor and County Commissioner-elect Alan Henderson, Montague Mayor George Zitone, Ogdensburg Mayor George Hutnick, Sandyston Mayor George Harper, Stanhope Mayor Gene Wronko, Stillwater Mayor Lisa Chammings, Sussex Borough Mayor Robert Holowach, Vernon Mayor Anthony Rossi, Republican State Committeeman Billy Marotta, and County Republican Chairman Joe LaBarbera.
“Commissioner Director Space and Mayor Silverthorne have proven themselves to be effective leaders who not only defend, but also propel forward our Sussex County conservative values,” said LaBarbera, in personally endorsing the team.
Space and Silverthorne, both longtime supporters of Donald Trump, also expressed excitement about his recent election as the 47th President of the United States and pledged to do their part in helping him “Make America Great Again.”
