Republicans get Millstone UPDATED

Voters elect Republicans Steve Sico and Ramin Dilfanian (Nov. 10)

By: Lauren Burgoon
   MILLSTONE — A more than three-decade tradition of bipartisan Township Committee representation ended Tuesday with the election of political newcomers Steve Sico and Ramin Dilfanian.
   The men will join fellow Republicans Elias Abilheira, Nancy Grbelja and Bob Kinsey on the committee in January, creating a one-party leadership like those in neighboring Allentown, Plumsted and Upper Freehold.
   There has been Democratic representation on the Millstone committee since at least the 1970s.
   The Republicans trumped Democratic contenders Bill Nurko, an incumbent, and Frank Cotter, who joined the party ticket only a two months ago.
   Election Day votes tallies were Mr. Sico, 1,784; Mr. Dilfanian, 1,735; Mr. Nurko, 1,457; and Mr. Cotter, 1,360.
   "I’m excited as I am humbled," Mr. Sico said Wednesday. "I feel privileged to serve the community and I’m looking forward to it."
   His election victory means a seat will open on the zoning board in January.
   Mr. Sico plans to finish his work on the board and attend organizational meetings with other committee members in the run up to the reorganization. Following a township tradition, he and Mr. Dilfanian will sit in on executive sessions with the Township Committee.
   Mr. Nurko’s unsuccessful bid for re-election brought disappointment to the lifelong Millstone resident.
   "I think my running mate and I put up a valiant effort and I wish our opponents well in 2006," Mr. Nurko said Tuesday after learning election results will end his six-year service in January. His tenure included stints as mayor and overseeing the town’s change to 10-acre zoning.
   Mr. Nurko said it was too soon to decide what went wrong in the Democrats campaign, but he credited his team for remaining above the political fray this year. The Democrats tried not to turn negative in an increasingly dirty campaign, he said.
   Millstone elections are commonly seen as dirty affairs — with particularly harsh campaigns marking recent years — and this cycle was no different. Both parties, if not always the candidates themselves, were heavily involved in smearing the opposition in mailings, road signs and phone messages. Among the charges, Republicans suggested a vote for the Democrats would bring a controversial and much-maligned pet incinerator to town. People in the Democratic camp suggested Millstone’s government acts dishonestly at times.
   Whether Millstone’s fractured political tone can be mended easily with one party in charge remains to be seen. Township Committee meetings are likely to become a quieter affair, at least in exchanges between committee members. However, Millstone residents are typically very politically involved and the tradition of residents speaking out about town issues and rebuking the Township Committee is not likely to stop in coming years.
   As the candidates-elect, Mr. Dilfanian and Mr. Sico will spend the next few months before their installation familiarizing themselves with township issues. Both promised action during the campaign and pledged to work closely with fellow Republicans on fiscal responsibility and tax stabilization. Other pressing Millstone issues include the need to develop ratables on Route 33 and balance services residents demand with rising costs.
   Tuesday’s election also brings an end to Democrat Committeeman Chet Halka’s time on the municipal government. Mr. Halka decided not to seek re-election after serving one term.