HILLSBOROUGH: GOP incumbent withdraws from Assembly race

Hillsborough’s Ciattarelli will run as write-in for nomination

By Gene Robbins, Managing Editor
   A funny thing happened to Assemblywoman Denise Coyle on her way to her re-election bid.
   She found it would be very difficult to sell her house and relocate her family.
   So she has withdrawn from the race, forcing Republicans in the redrawn 16th District to organize a write-in campaign in the June 7 primary to fill the second line to team with Assemblyman Peter Biondi.
   Into the breach has stepped Hillsborough resident Jack Ciattarelli, a Somerset County Freeholder since 2007. He’s announced he’ll run, and there’s no opposition in sight.
   ”I know of no one who is perfectly happy with the state redistricting map,” Mr. Ciattarelli said “However, it is what it is. We need to move on and prepare to serve the citizenry as they deserve and, considering the challenges we face, as they rightly expect.”
   Ms. Coyle, who lives in Basking Ridge in Bernards Township, said she initially believed she could re-locate in the confines of the new district, which will include Manville, the Princetons, and Montgomery, South Brunswick and Hillsborough. She formerly lived in Branchburg Township.
   ”However, after reviewing the logistics and the realities of the current housing market, it is clear that a move is not feasible for me and my family,” she said.
   Democrats have two unopposed candidates for nomination. They are Marie Corfield of Raritan Township in Hunterdon County, and South Brunswick Councilman Joe Camarota.
   Mr. Ciattarelli will need at least 100 write-in votes across the district to qualify for the November ballot.
   His prospective running mate, Assemblyman Peter Biondi, also of Hillsborough, described Mr. Ciattarelli as thorough, dedicated and organized. “He doesn’t do anything halfway,” Mr. Biondi said. “He’s 100 percent committed to the write-in campaign.”
   Ms. Coyle will leave the Legislature upon completing her term in December. Mr. Ciattarelli previously lived in Raritan Borough for 37 years. He is founder and chief executive officer for Galen Publishing.
”I am proud of my record in public office and what we have been able to accomplish,” said Ms. Coyle, an Assemblywoman since 2008. “I believe in public service and have been truly honored to represent the people of the state of New Jersey.”
   Mr. Chittarelli said people could expect “a fellow taxpayer who is committed to smaller, less-expensive government and property tax relief…’Citizens can also expect someone who is solutions-oriented — someone who is looking to go to Trenton to advocate and effectuate change, believing we can restore people’s faith in government and get people feeling good about New Jersey.”
   He said his excitement about this opportunity “comes at the expense of a public servant who deserved a much better fate. Denise Coyle has represented her constituents for 20-plus years at the municipal, county and state levels with integrity and positive energy. My hope is that we haven’t seen the last of her.”