Election battles heating up

Even in Lambertville, where Mayor David Del Vecchio’s opponent withdrew, the outcome still could be in question because the former Republican challenger’s name still is on the ballot.

By: Mae Rhine
   There’s a lot at stake in Tuesday’s elections for all three governing bodies in Stockton, West Amwell and Lambertville.
   The hottest battle is in West Amwell where Republican Toby Rich and Democrat William Corboy are vying for the one three-year term on the Township Committee.
   The outcome could have a long-lasting effect on future development as the two are sharply divided on environmental issues.
   They will face off tonight (Nov. 2) in a question-and-answer session at the West Amwell firehouse on Mount Airy Village Road at 7 p.m. Residents can submit written questions for the candidates, which will be read to the candidates from a representative of the League of Women Voters.
   Mr. Rich, 47, defeated incumbent Mayor Thomas Molnar in the primary.
   His job, vice president of the Silvi Group Companies, based in Fairless Hills, Pa., is a bone of contention between the two.
   Mr. Corboy, 65, said Silvi is holding on to more than 200 acres in the township, keeping it vulnerable to development, instead of signing a preservation agreement with the state Green Acres program.
   But Mr. Rich claims preservation is one of his top priorities and wants to see the township’s open space program "restored to its former success ratio."
   The two also are sharply divided on recently enacted ordinances that aim to protect the environment.
   In 2004, a new Master Plan was adopted along with a more protective zoning ordinance. In 2005, a stream corridor ordinance was passed that established the size of stream buffers. This year, a reserve septic ordinance was passed that requires new development to hold a second septic area in reserve in case the original area fails.
   Also, a woodland protection ordinance and a soil removal ordinance, designed to keep the township’s soil in the township, are under consideration.
   Mr. Rich said he is "uncomfortable" with the new regulations, saying he wants to protect land through preservation, not regulation. But Mr. Corboy said he supports the new laws and believes they will protect the environment.
   Mr. Rich majored in political science while attending Cameron University in Lawton, Okla.
   Mr. Corboy is the retired chief of information systems for New Jersey’s Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services. He served three years on the township’s Planning Board, three years on the township’s Industrial Commission and nine years on the West Amwell Elementary School Board of Education. He received a bachelor’s degree in math education from Glassboro State College, now Rowan University.
   In Stockton, the two mayoral candidates have toned down their campaigns, fulfilling their promises of "more civility."
   Republican candidate Nicolo Messina, 42, who is a first-time councilman, has been at odds with current Mayor Gregg Rackin. Mr. Messina defeated Mayor Rackin in the June primary.
   Democratic candidate Stephen Giocondo, 58, is considered "old Stockton." His family has lived in the town for generations.
   He is employed as a real estate appraiser by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
   He served on the council for three three-year terms, which ended in 2000, then was appointed in 2002 to fill a vacancy left by the resignation of Paul Steffanelli. He went on to win the seat in 2003. Mr. Giocondo also served 12 years on the Board of Adjustment.
   Mr. Messina, 42, is deemed "new Stockton. He was raised in the Princeton area, moved to Ringoes after college and settled in Stockton 10 years ago.
   He owns a real estate investment company. He holds a master’s degree in fine art and teaches at Bucks County Community College.
   But while their methods may differ, their views for Stockton’s future seem similar.
   The tiny borough faces the ongoing problem of an aging infrastructure as well as the possibility of establishing a historic district. Also, repairs to Mill Street, about $1 million worth, are under way after several delays.
   Over in Lambertville, Democratic Mayor David Del Vecchio seems to have clear sailing to a sixth three-year term as his former opponent, Andrew Gunn, withdrew from the race Oct. 5.
   But there could be a glitch. Mr. Gunn’s name still is on the ballot because he didn’t withdraw in time for his name to be taken off the ballot.
   If Mr. Gunn receives enough write-in votes, he could change his mind and accept. But if he rejects the office, the Republican Party then would have the right to submit the names of three candidates, and the City Council would have to choose one to be mayor.
   Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Here’s where to vote: In Stockton at the firehouse on Mill Street; in West Amwell at the municipal building at 150 Rocktown-Lambertville Road; and in Lambertville, for those in the 1st and 2nd wards, at the YMAC at 66 Wilson St. and those in the 3rd Ward at the Union firehouse on North Main Street.