What characterizes the town form of local government in New Jersey?

The town form of local government in New Jersey is characterized by an elected mayor and council that aligns with the number of wards in the municipality. This structure allows for direct representation of the community, as the elected council members are tasked with governing and making decisions that affect their specific wards. The elected mayor also plays a significant role by overseeing the administrative functions of the local government and implementing policies set by the council.

This format encourages active citizen participation through elections, as residents can choose their representatives based on the wards they reside in. It further promotes accountability and responsiveness in governance, as officials need to answer to their constituents.

The other options describe different governance structures not typical of the town form. For example, a board of trustees may reflect a different governmental organization, while a management structure without elected officials suggests a more centralized or appointed system, which is not the case for towns in New Jersey. Thus, the distinct characteristic of an elected mayor and council directly correlating to wards befits the town form of local governance in this state.