If you just moved to town or you’re trying to figure out who to email about that massive pothole on Hillside Avenue, you might be looking for the mayor of Livingston NJ. But here’s the thing—Livingston doesn’t do things like most big cities. There wasn't some huge, dramatic "Mayoral Election" on your ballot last November where you picked one person to lead the whole town for four years.
Honestly, the way it works is kinda unique.
As of January 2026, Shawn R. Klein is serving as the mayor of Livingston. He took the oath on January 4, 2026, during the annual reorganization meeting at the Senior/Community Center. He isn't new to this; he’s a lifelong resident, a Livingston High grad, and has actually worn the mayor's hat before. But to understand his role, you've got to understand the system.
How the Mayor of Livingston NJ Actually Gets the Job
Livingston operates under a Council-Manager form of government. Basically, the residents elect five people to the Township Council. Then, every single year, those five people look at each other and decide who is going to be the Mayor and who will be the Deputy Mayor for the next twelve months.
It’s a rotation.
This year, Shawn Klein took over the reins from Edward Meinhardt, who served through 2025. It’s a bit like a relay race where the baton gets passed every January. This system is designed to keep any one person from holding too much centralized power, ensuring the town's direction is a group effort rather than a one-man show.
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The 2026 Council Lineup
Right now, the leadership team looks like this:
- Mayor: Shawn R. Klein
- Deputy Mayor: Ketan K. Bhuptani (notably the first Indian-American to hold this post in Livingston)
- Council Members: Edward Meinhardt, Alfred M. Anthony, and Michael M. Vieira
While Shawn Klein is the "face" of the town for 2026—attending the ribbon cuttings and leading the meetings—he still only has one vote on the council. The day-to-day "boss" of the town employees is actually the Township Manager, Barry R. Lewis, Jr.
Why 2026 is a Massive Year for the Mayor
You’ve probably seen the signs around town. 2026 isn't just another year; it’s the 250th anniversary of the United States. Mayor Klein has already made it clear that Livingston is going all out for the Semiquincentennial.
But it’s not all parades and fireworks.
Livingston is currently navigating some pretty heavy lifting regarding redevelopment and pedestrian safety. If you’ve tried to walk near the center of town lately, you know it’s a bit of a gamble. Deputy Mayor Bhuptani has been particularly vocal about making the town safer for cyclists and walkers, bringing a "businessman's perspective" to the council's infrastructure plans.
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Real Power vs. Ceremonial Duties
People often think the mayor of Livingston NJ can just wave a magic wand and change the property tax rate or stop a construction project.
It doesn't work that way.
The mayor acts as the presiding officer of the Council. They set the tone for the meetings. They represent Livingston in talks with Essex County and the State of New Jersey. But big decisions—like the town budget or zoning changes—require a majority vote from the five council members.
One thing that makes Klein’s current term interesting is his deep roots. His parents still live here. His sister’s family is here. When residents complain about the local schools or the traffic on Eisenhower Parkway, he’s not just hearing it as a politician; he’s living it as a neighbor.
Common Misconceptions About Livingston Politics
- "I didn't see the Mayor on my ballot!" Correct. You voted for "Members of the Township Council." In 2024, for instance, Al Anthony and Michael Vieira were up for re-election. The title of Mayor is an internal Council appointment.
- "The Mayor is a full-time job." Not exactly. While it’s an "extra commitment" (as Klein mentioned in his recent swearing-in speech), council members usually have "day jobs" or are retired. They aren't sitting in Town Hall from 9 to 5 every day.
- "The Mayor runs the police department." Nope. Under the Council-Manager law, the Township Manager handles the administration of departments. The Mayor and Council set the policy, and the Manager executes it.
What to Watch for in the Coming Months
If you're keeping tabs on local government, there are a few things that will likely define Shawn Klein’s 2026 term.
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First, there’s the push for "integration and participation." Livingston is incredibly diverse, and the Council is making a concerted effort to ensure that various cultural and religious groups feel like they have a seat at the table. The appointment of Bhuptani as Deputy Mayor was a significant signal in that direction.
Second, expect a lot of talk about the budget. Redevelopment negotiations have recently brought in increased tax revenues, but with inflation and aging infrastructure, the balancing act is tougher than it looks.
Actionable Steps for Residents
If you want to actually get involved or have your voice heard by the mayor of Livingston NJ, don't just complain on Facebook. Here’s how you actually get things done:
- Attend the Meetings: The Council usually meets on Monday nights at 8:00 p.m. at Town Hall or the Senior Center.
- Watch LTV: If you can’t make it in person, meetings are broadcast on Cable 34 (Comcast) or Fios 28, and they’re often livestreamed on the township’s Facebook page.
- Email Directly: The township website lists the direct emails for all council members. They are generally quite responsive to specific, polite inquiries about neighborhood issues.
- Join a Committee: Livingston has a ton of volunteer boards—from the Planning Board to the Environmental Commission. This is where the real "grunt work" of town policy happens.
The "Mayor" title might change every year, but the direction of the town is a marathon, not a sprint. Whether it's Klein this year or someone else next year, the system relies on residents actually paying attention to those Council meetings.
For more information on upcoming town events or to view the full schedule of Council meetings, you can check the official Livingston Township website.