Kostbar, Morales victorious in close J’burg council race

By sandi carpello
Staff Writer

Kostbar, Morales victorious
in close J’burg council race
By sandi carpello
Staff Writer

JAMESBURG — The Democrats retained complete control of the Borough Council Tuesday night, dashing the hopes of two Republicans who campaigned to bring new ideas to the governing body.

Councilman Otto Kostbar, 53, an attorney in Jamesburg, won his second term on the council with 603 votes, while newcomer Carlos Morales, 33, an employee with the Middlesex County Hazardous Materials Unit, also won election with 550 votes.

Morales will replace Democratic Councilman Sam Cline, who did not seek re-election this year to the six-member council.

Republican Adam Bushman, 39, who previously served two council terms, received 527 votes, while his running mate Gregory Newton garnered 465 votes.

Only 33 percent of the borough’s registered voters participated at the polls.

"We are very surprised that everyone complains about the way local government is run, and time and time again, elect the same people with the same ideas," Bushman said.

Blaming the borough’s recent financial woes on the current council, the Republicans said the council needs to take new measures to manage and control spending. They said that the borough has experienced one of the highest percentage tax increases in the state.

On the other hand, the Democrats said they have done a good job managing the borough’s budget, and they attribute Jamesburg’s rising property taxes to insufficient ratables in the borough and decreasing state aid. Kostbar said he hopes to develop all available land along East and West Railroad avenues with commercial ratables.

The Democrats said they were honored to represent Jamesburg and promised to provide the best leadership possible.

"I am very very happy. It was a tough race," Kostbar said.

At a victory party Tuesday night, Morales said his wife, Francine, and his mother both cried tears of joy when the results were announced.

"I am overwhelmed. I haven’t even embraced the fact that I won yet," he said.