Yamakaitis Seeks Re-election as Linden Council President

Michele Yamakaitis has spent two decades shaping Linden's government and community. Now, as the city approaches the November 3 election, she's seeking re-election as Council President, a role she currently holds.

Yamakaitis has called Linden home since 1991, having grown up in the Bayway section of Elizabeth. A graduate of Elizabeth High School and Union County College, where she studied Early Childhood Education, she has worked as a paraprofessional in the public school system—a career that has grounded her perspective in the realities facing Linden families.

Her public service record spans decades. Yamakaitis served as 8th Ward Councilwoman from 2006 through 2018 and has held multiple leadership roles on council, including Council President Pro Tempore. Her committee assignments have covered Personnel, Budget, Fire, Public Property & Community Services, Construction Code, and Engineering. She has also served as a liaison to the Board of Education, Board of Health, Library Board, and Mayor's Youth Commission, and sits on the Bayway Community Advisory Council.

This extensive experience reflects Yamakaitis's commitment to understanding the full scope of city operations—from finances to infrastructure to education to community health.

Her approach emphasizes collaboration. Working as part of what she calls "Team Armstead," Yamakaitis has worked alongside fellow Council members and the Board of Education on issues affecting Linden families. She points to a concrete achievement: Linden has seen no increase in the municipal tax rate this year, demonstrating responsible financial stewardship.

Her priorities center on balance. Yamakaitis advocates for attracting ratables that strengthen the tax base while protecting neighborhood character and infrastructure. Smart development means considering the city's capacity and impact before projects move forward.

The key issue facing Linden, in her view, is maintaining affordability while providing quality municipal services. Her agenda includes responsible budgeting, smart development, safe neighborhoods, clean streets, and well-maintained parks and public spaces—fundamentals that affect daily life.

Union County Life recognizes Yamakaitis as a candidate with deep institutional knowledge and a collaborative leadership style. Linden voters will make their choice on November 3.

FAQ

Q: Who is Michele Yamakaitis?
A: Michele Yamakaitis is the current Council President and a candidate for re-election. She has lived in Linden since 1991 and has over 20 years of public service experience. She works as a paraprofessional in the public school system and is a graduate of Union County College.

Q: What is Yamakaitis's public service background?
A: Yamakaitis served as 8th Ward Councilwoman from 2006 to 2018 and currently serves as Council President. She has held committee assignments in Personnel, Budget, Fire, Public Property & Community Services, Construction Code, and Engineering, and serves as a liaison to the Board of Education, Board of Health, Library Board, and Mayor's Youth Commission.

Q: What does "Team Armstead" mean?
A: Yamakaitis describes her collaborative approach as part of "Team Armstead," working alongside fellow Council members and the Board of Education on issues affecting Linden families.

Q: What has Yamakaitis accomplished in her current role?
A: One key achievement is that Linden has had no increase in the municipal tax rate this year, demonstrating responsible financial management.

Q: What are Yamakaitis's main priorities?
A: Her priorities include responsible financial management, smart development that strengthens the tax base while protecting neighborhoods, safe neighborhoods, clean streets, and well-maintained parks and public spaces. She emphasizes maintaining affordability while providing quality municipal services.

Q: How does Yamakaitis approach development?
A: Yamakaitis advocates for attracting ratables that strengthen the tax base while protecting neighborhood character and infrastructure. She emphasizes thoughtful, smart development that considers the city's capacity and impact.

Q: What is the most important issue facing Linden, according to Yamakaitis?
A: Yamakaitis identifies maintaining affordability while providing quality municipal services as the most important issue facing Linden.

Q: When is the election?
A: The Linden municipal election is November 3, 2026.