Democrat Brian Hughes and Republican Cathy DiCostanzo are among the early contenders.
By: Jennifer Potash
The race for Mercer County executive is wide open following Robert Prunetti’s announcement Tuesday that he will not seek a fourth term.
"Today, I suit up for the battle once again, but as one of the troops, not as our party’s leader," he said, before a gathering of about 100 family members, friends, elected officials and staff members.
The apparent Democratic front-runner is Brian Hughes, a Princeton Township resident and member of the Mercer County Board of Chosen Freeholders.
"I have, and this might sound corny, a passion for public service," said Mr. Hughes, whose father, Richard, was a former governor and chief justice of the state Supreme Court.
He said he intends to focus on property taxes, education and economic development in the campaign.
The Republicans will pick a candidate for county executive at their annual convention next week.
Mercer County Clerk Cathy DiCostanzo, widely assumed to be the Republicans’ top pick, demurred from commenting on her candidacy Tuesday.
"Today is all about Bob Prunetti," she said.
Mr. Prunetti expressed his support for Ms. DiCostanzo. "Cathy’s been my staunchest supporter, greatest ally and been there for all the big decisions," he said.
Dave Fried, a Washington Township committeeman, is also weighing a run for the Republican nomination for county executive but said he wants to speak with Ms. DiCostanzo.
"I’m going to sit down and meet with her and hopefully we’ll come to a decision about what’s best for the party," Mr. Fried said. "I’m still interested but, at this point in the game, we really have to do what’s best for the party."
As for his future plans, Mr. Prunetti did not give specifics.
"There are opportunities out there I’m in a better position to pursue," he said.
He also did not rule out a return to politics or elected office.
Peppered with quotations of former presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan as well as from the Bible, Mr. Prunetti gave his goodbye speech standing in front of the Waterfront Park Stadium. He cited steps he took to revitalize Trenton with the addition of the baseball stadium and the Sovereign Bank Area.
"If you stood in this very spot a decade ago, who would have believed Mercer County residents would be watching Yankee baseball on the banks of the Delaware River?" Mr. Prunetti said. "It demonstrates the power of faith, hope and determination virtues the people of Mercer County have in abundance."
For the remaining months of his last term in office, Mr. Prunetti said he will concentrate on cutting property taxes through the county budget, preserving additional open space and starting work on the South Broad Street Village, Manex Entertainment and Keating development projects.
Although he has been at odds with the Democratic freeholder board over the past few years, Mr. Prunetti asked the board to continue to work with him during his remaining months in office.
Mr. Hughes said he appreciates Mr. Prunetti’s dedication to Mercer County residents.
"I really do wish him well in his future endeavors," Mr. Hughes said.
With a thank you list nearly as long as his speech, Mr. Prunetti acknowledged the sacrifices of his family and lauded the dedication of his political supporters and staff during his three terms in office.
Packet Group Writer Cynthia Koons contributed to this report.