The chief executive of the city of Summit, New Jersey since it was incorporated in 1899 has been a mayor. Currently the city operates under a weak mayor system of municipal government where the mayor is mostly a ceremonial role that operates as the city's official spokesman. They do not have the power to vote in the city council (common council), unless in the event of a tie. However, they can use their office as a bully pulpit to promote and oppose candidates for other positions in the city. Additionally they can appoint the chief of police and the board of education. In the 1970s the term for a mayor was lengthened from 2 years to 4 years; there are no term limits.
On March 23, 1869, Summit separated from New Providence as its own Township and was governed by a three member executive committee dominated by the Democratic Party. Starting in the 1880s, local Republicans led by Jonathan Bonnel began to campaign for turning the township into a city, arguing that the executive committee didn't have the powers necessary to properly govern the rapidly growing population. The Democrats, who were in office in the committee, where generally opposed to the incorporation, with the deadlock being broken by William Z. Larned, a prominent local banker, who formed a committee to explore the best form of government. Larned found in favor of the Republicans, saying that âÂÂWhen one has grown to a manâÂÂs size, he can no longer wear childâÂÂs clothes; and it is the same with a town when it has grown to the population of a city, its township clothing was outgrown.â On April 11, 1899, the township held a vote to determine if they should incorporate as a city, which passed 804 to 163. Additionally, elections where held to elect the first Common Council and mayor, with Republican George H. Wilcox winning the mayoralty, and 5 Republicans and 2 Democrats being elected to the council.