Republican incumbent garners support regardless of a Democratic majority.
By: Casha Caponegro
The Township Committee may have a Democratic majority, but it is likely to elect a Republican as mayor for the second straight year.
Democrat Pari Stave said Thursday she planned to back Republican Michael Mayes, who has served the past year as mayor, at the Jan. 7 reorganization meeting.
"I would be happy to support him," said Ms. Stave. "I think he has done a very fine job."
Last year Mr. Mayes was selected as mayor, even though the Democrats held a 3-2 majority. He was endorsed by Ms. Stave and fellow Republican Alan Danser. This year the Democrats also hold a 3-2 majority.
"I do not think that party affiliation has any bearing on who becomes mayor," said Mayor Mayes. "The issues we deal with are all local issues."
Newly elected Committeeman Richard Stannard agreed, but would not say whom he planned to support.
"I think there ought to be a little bit in the public forum," he said Thursday. "Right now I really have not made up my mind."
He said positions on land use and farmland preservation would likely influence whom he would support.
"There are far more important key issues that take precedence over party issues," he said on Monday.
Mr. Danser was unavailable for comment Thursday. Democrat Greg Overstreet said Monday he would be interested in the position, if he had the support.
Mr. Mayes said on Thursday that he has an interest in serving as mayor in 2002.
"It was an honor to serve as mayor for the past year and I am happy to do it again if the committee supports me," he said.
Mr. Mayes will begin his second three-year term as a committee member in 2002. He was elected in 1998 and has served as the liaison to the Board of Education, the Cranbury Business and Professional Association, Economic Development, Environmental Commission, Tax Assessing, Tax Collection and Finance Committee.
The position of mayor in a committee form of government carries few special powers and is one of five votes on the committee. The mayor runs committee meetings as chairman, makes some appointments and sits on the Planning Board.
Mr. Overstreet said on Monday that communication between committee members and the public is also an important issue when choosing a mayor.
"The important function of the mayor is mainly to facilitate affairs in an open and inclusive process of government," said Mr. Overstreet.
Although Mr. Overstreet would not say whom he will endorse as mayor for 2002, he did mention an interest in the position if elected.
"The committee traditionally handles the position like a pitching rotation in baseball," Mr. Overstreet said. "I would be glad to take the assignment when my turn comes."
Mr. Overstreet said he plans to run again for a seat on the committee when his three-year term ends Dec. 31, 2002.