Meet Ellis Marples
Ellis Marples has been a Hardyston resident for 16 years and is known by many for his dedication to civic service. A U.S. Army veteran and former Vice Commander of the American Legion, Ellis is also the current Municipal chair of the Hardyston Republican Club the Hardyston Republican Committee person for District 4 and a former councilman from Pompton Lakes, bringing with him years of leadership experience in both military and municipal settings.
Professionally, Ellis worked in systems roles for IBM and served as a nuclear weapons specialist before transitioning to IT consulting.
A Platform Rooted in Support and Structure
In his campaign materials, Ellis expresses a desire to support educators by providing tools, resources, and encouragement. He emphasizes working together with the full Board - a message many residents will find refreshing in today’s often divided landscape.
His tone is respectful, and his emphasis on collaboration may appeal to voters looking for a steady hand in school governance.
Understanding His Connection to Today’s Schools
While Ellis’s public service record is extensive, some voters may be curious about how closely he is connected to the realities of today’s school families. Ellis does not currently have children in the district, and his stage of life may offer him a different lens than those raising young students right now.
That’s not necessarily a disadvantage - perspective and life experience matter - but it’s something for voters to weigh alongside other candidates who are actively engaged in the day-to-day of school community life.
His Choice of Running Mates
Ellis is running alongside two other candidates - Ed Reinle and Dana Kalczuk - whose records have drawn public attention.
- Ed Reinle, a current board member, has one of the lowest attendance rates on the Board.
- Dana Kalczuk is the subject of a formal objection regarding her voter registration and residency status.
While Ellis appears committed to working respectfully with others, voters may understandably wonder how closely his views align with those of his running mates.
In an election where voters choose multiple names on the same ticket, associations do matter.
Final Thoughts
Ellis Marples brings a long record of civic and professional service, and his leadership experience could offer structure to the Board.
Still, voters should consider:
- How connected is Ellis to the needs of today’s students and parents?
- What values does he share with his running mates?
- Will he bring independent leadership - or serve a broader agenda?
As always, we encourage the community to stay informed, ask questions, and vote with clarity.