ABERDEEN — While Democrats will continue to fill all the seats on the Township Council, there will be three new faces beginning Jan. 1.
After defeating their Republican challengers in the Nov. 8 election, Democrats Harvey M. Brenner, Robert Swindle and Connie Kelley will join incumbent running mate Councilman Greg Cannon on the council, according to unofficial results from the Monmouth County Board of Elections.
“I am grateful that the Aberdeen residents gave us a vote of confidence for the next four years,” Cannon said on Nov. 9. “We are looking forward to starting with our new team on Jan. 1.
Cannon won re-election for a second term, garnering 1,544 votes.
Brenner tallied 1,502 votes, followed by Swindle, who drew 1,490 votes, and Kelley, with 1,485 votes, of the 10,991 votes cast.
They held off Republican challengers Kenneth T. Aitken, who received 1,269 votes, Augustine Toomey III, who drew 1,252 votes, Debra Delaney, who received 1,248 votes, and Sheilah Balavram, who finished with 1,192 votes.
Results are unofficial until certified by the county Board of Elections.
“I want to thank all of our friends, people who supported us, believed in us and voted for our vision for Aberdeen,” Aitken said on Nov. 11. “I was proud to stand as a candidate on the Republican ticket, and along with my running mates offer the citizens of Aberdeen a clear choice and vision for our future.”
“We live in the greatest country on the face of the earth. It is a testament to our founding fathers and all those who served in our armed forces that we asAmerican citizens can make this choice in peace.”
Come January, the newcomers will replace Democrats Deputy Mayor Vincent Vinci, Councilman Owen Drapkin and Councilwoman Wilhemina Gumbs; they did not run for re-election.
“They will be missed but not far away,” Mayor Fred Tagliarini said, adding that he has had several conversations with the three council veterans about future service in other departments or committees.
“When you serve as long as they have, it is hard to go from60 miles an hour to a complete stop.”
While the three new candidates will be rookies on the Township Council, they are familiar with the workings of government having served on the planning and zoning boards.
Brenner has served on the zoning board for the past 15 years and was chairman for 12 years. Kelley currently serves on the planning board along with Swindle, who serves as vice chairman.
Cannon served a two-year unexpired term, filling Tagliarini’s seat in 2009. This will be his first four-year term.
“I look forward to continuing my work on behalf of the residents,” Cannon said.