Crisol-Iris Lantz

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Crisol-Iris Lantz was raised in the Bronx, NY and Plainfield, NJ. While she initially didn’t envision settling in a small town, her priorities shifted after starting a family, and she found Dunellen to be the ideal place to raise her children. Over nearly a decade in the borough, she and her husband Ken, raising their two daughters, have built strong roots in the community, deepening her appreciation for Dunellen’s character and potential. 

Lantz’s early involvement in the community began through recreational programs, but as her children grew, so did her commitment to making Dunellen a safer and more vibrant place to live. Her interest in civic engagement led her to become actively involved in initiatives focused on pedestrian safety, infrastructure, and long-term planning.

A dedicated educator for 17 years, Lantz has worked in both public and private sectors, serving in roles ranging from teacher to Director of Education. Her professional passion for helping individuals reach their full potential carries into her public service, where she is equally committed to fostering growth and opportunity within the Dunellen community.

Before and during her time on Council, Lantz played a key role in several major initiatives. As a leader on the Mayor’s Traffic & Pedestrian Safety Task Force, she has worked to improve safety, particularly around school zones, while contributing to broader planning efforts in coordination with state and regional agencies. She has also been involved in the Complete Streets initiative with the New Jersey Department of Transportation, promoting safer, more sustainable infrastructure, and served on the Master Plan Re-Examination Steering Committee to help guide Dunellen’s long-term development and downtown revitalization.

First sworn in to the Borough Council in 2024, Lantz has since worked closely with the Mayor and Council on a range of priorities, including downtown revitalization, fiscal responsibility as a member of the Finance Committee, and community engagement through her roles as liaison to Parks & Recreation, the Arts, Inclusion & Culture Commission, the Planning Board, the Board of Education, and the Downtown Management Organization. She has also supported significant infrastructure improvements across the borough, including park upgrades, roadway paving, and streetscape enhancements, mostly made possible through shared services, grant funding, and partnerships with utility companies to modernize infrastructure and improve roadways. In recognition of her leadership and dedication, she was unanimously appointed Council President for 2026.

Now seeking re-election to serve a full three-year term, Lantz remains focused on thoughtful, responsible growth while preserving the strong sense of community that defines Dunellen.

“It has been an honor to serve the residents of Dunellen, and I’m proud of the progress we’ve made together,” said Lantz. “From improving pedestrian safety to strengthening our downtown, we’ve focused on thoughtful, responsible growth. I’m running for re-election to continue building on that momentum and ensuring Dunellen remains a safe, vibrant place for all families.”