Three seek to fill freeholder vacancy

Party to select successor to the late David B. Crabiel

BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer

Three candidates have filed to fill the former seat of David B. Crabiel on the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Democrats Amy Papi of East Brunswick, Carol Barrett of South Brunswick and Charles Tomaro of Edison are in competition for the seat. It is up to about 1,000 Democratic county committee people to choose the winner.

“It’s a tough election,” said Stephen J. “Pete” Dalina, acting freeholder director.

According to county Sheriff and Democratic Party Chairman Joseph Spicuzzo, many people inquired about the open position, but only three ultimately applied for it. The deadline for applications was Dec. 19.

The Middlesex County Democratic Organization will formally come to a decision by Jan. 4 during a special convention to be held in East Brunswick, with the winner being sworn in two days later. During the convention, the individuals running for the position will have the opportunity to speak to the party committee, consisting of people representing the county’s various municipalities, before the committee members vote in a secret ballot.

Tomaro, a former longtime councilman in Edison, has been through the process before. In 2004, he made a bid for a seat when former Freeholder Jane Brady decided not to seek another term. Tomaro later withdrew when it became clear that Blanquita Valenti would end up filling the seat. He made another run last February when John Pulomena stepped down in order to become the county administrator. Tomaro ceased his pursuit that time as well, to avoid a challenge with the eventual successor, Ronald Rios.

The former 12-year Edison councilman said he has had conversations with various local Democratic organizations about electing him to the seat, as well as having sent out a mailer.

Papi, of East Brunswick, also tried for a seat on the board in the past, and later withdrew.

“There was an opportunity four years ago, but the timing in my life wasn’t right,” Papi said.

This time around, Papi said she is ready to give the position “150 percent.” Papi said Crabiel, who died Dec. 1, was a friend to her as well as a remarkable public servant. She said she feels something inside compelling her to fill his open seat and bring her extensive government-related experience to the position.

“I would just like to be a part of making everyone’s lives much better,” Papi said. “Given the opportunity, I know I will make them proud. I will not disappoint them.”

Since 2005, Papi has held the position of registered governmental affairs agent for the state. Prior to that, she worked for state Sen. Barbara Buono, also having worked for her as chief of staff when Buono was an assemblywoman, along with former Assemblyman Peter Barnes, now a senator. Papi said she has worked with all 25 of the county’s municipalities at some point, whether on the local, state or federal level. Aside from a plethora of work duties, Papi is involved in many Democratic and charity organizations, and is an active participant in Democratic elections at all levels.

While Papi said the current freeholders board is doing an “outstanding job,” there are some goals she would like to explore if elected, including the use of more solar panels for county buildings, she said. Another area in which she would like to enact change is in transportation. Having volunteered for “Safe Rides” in the 1970s, Papi said she wants to see a resurgence of a program like that, which offered stranded teenagers safe rides home with volunteer drivers.

Barrett, deputy mayor of South Brunswick, could not be reached for comment.

Crabiel, a 27-year veteran of the freeholder board, died shortly after being reelected to a three-year term. He was 78 years old.

“You can’t fill his shoes, but you can fill his seat,” Tomaro said.

Papi called Crabiel one of the most hardworking public servants she has ever known.

Since Crabiel’s death, Dalina has served as acting director, a role Crabiel had filled for 12 years. At the Jan. 6 reorganization meeting when the new freeholder is sworn in, the board will decide if Dalina will continue in his role as director.

“I hope so,” Dalina said when asked about the possibility.