Incumbent Stephen Giocondo will serve another term in office, beating challenger Jeffrey Kreider in a special election Dec. 30.
By: Linda Seida
STOCKTON Councilman Stephen Giocondo, a Democrat, will serve another term in office following his victory over Republican challenger Jeffery Kreider in a special election Dec. 30.
Mr. Giocondo triumphed with 164 votes over Mr. Kreider’s 116 votes.
Mr. Giocondo, 55, completed his third three-year term in 2000. In 2002, he was appointed to fill a vacancy on the council left by the resignation of Paul Steffanelli.
The election now gives Republicans a 4-3 edge. Besides Mr. Giocondo, Neil Esposito and Joseph Skillodge are Democrats. Mayor Gregg Rackin is a Republican as are new Councilman Nicolo Messina, Constance Bassett and Andrew Giannattasio.
The special election was called following a tie between the two candidates in the November election. The race was closely tied to the fate of the proposed My Ben development on Wilson Drive. Muddying the waters for voters was a concern over where Mr. Giocondo stood on the issue, with some believing he was not in favor of preserving the site as open space.
The housing development known as My Ben was first proposed about 15 years ago. The plan was to build 44 houses on 24.5 acres. The development never materialized, but the threat hung over the town of 560 residents like a pall. Many residents worried the addition of so many new houses would ruin Stockton, its historic elementary school and its small-town way of life.
Following the tie, campaigning grew heated with Mr. Giocondo making it known he was in favor of preserving the site as open space despite a list of questions about the deal he had submitted to Borough Council.
As the campaign intensified, both candidates professed a strong desire to preserve the site as open space.
"In my mind, even after the election today, we felt like we already won," Mr. Kreider said. "At least now, we forced him to come on board with the preservation of the land."
For his part, Mr. Giocondo acknowledged he was forced to embark on some intense campaigning to make his position clear.
"I worked very, very hard at this campaign," he said. "In addition, I had the help and support of many individuals, organizations and businesses in Stockton. I am looking forward to working with Mayor Rackin and the new Borough Council. There are many issues in Stockton still to be addressed."
According to Mr. Kreider, another benefit came out of the heated race.
"The town’s interest in events grew," he pointed out. "It stirred people up. I think it’s great. That really was my main goal."
Mr. Kreider said he and other newer members of the community often are referred to as "drifters" when compared to lifelong residents such as Mr. Giocondo. He said he thinks status played a part in his defeat.
"It’s hard to beat that," he said.
Even so, he added, he wouldn’t rule out another run for council in the future.
"I’m glad I did it," Mr. Kreider said. "I accomplished what I wanted to, and I feel like we won either way," naming the preservation of the My Ben tract as a major goal.
Preservation of the acreage is closer than at any time before. In November, the Hunterdon County Freeholders awarded the borough a $200,000 grant specifically for that purpose. The county grant halves Stockton’s obligation to raise matching funds for a $400,000 state grant awarded in October by the state Green Acres Program, also to preserve the tract.