PRINCETON: Democrats sweep Princeton Council seats

By Philip Sean Curran, Staff Writer
   All six Democrat council candidates in Princeton won Tuesday to sweep into office on the strength of a strong showing by the party faithful on Election Day.
   ”I’m very relieved that it’s over,” said Borough Councilwoman Jenny Crumiller from her party’s campaign headquarters on Nassau Street on Tuesday night.
   In an contest with better than 50 percent turnout, Township Committeeman Bernard P. Miller led the field at 7,114 votes, followed by newcomer Patrick Simon at 7,090, Borough Councilwoman Heather H. Howard at 6,914, Borough Councilwoman Jo S. Butler at 6,903, Township Committeeman Lance Liverman 6,861 and Ms. Crumiller at 6,807.
   Geoff Aton, the lone Republican candidate, received 3,533 votes. The totals did not include absentee or provisional ballots, according to Township Clerk Linda McDermott’s office.
   In all, 52 percent of registered voters, 10,595 out of 20,335 went to the polls, showed election data from Ms. McDermott’s office. The turnout came despite last-minute changes to voting places 14 out of 22 election districts due to power outages from super storm “Sandy.”
   Mr. Liverman cited turnout numbers, despite the storm and subsequent power outages still plaguing the two towns, as evidence the public backs his party.
   ”I’m just elated that the Democrats proved once again the community supports us,” he said in a follow-up interview Wednesday. “We’re going to support the community by working hard, very hard.”
   The winners will take office Jan.1, the day the merger of the two Princetons takes effect. At that time, they will have to draw straws to determine the length of their terms. Once that occurs, there will be two council members serving one-year-terms, two serving two-year terms and two serving three-year terms.
   Mr. Miller, speaking in a follow-up interview Wednesday, expressed gratitude that voters returned him to office. Asked if being the top vote-getter was a point of pride, he instead said he was glad the entire Democratic slate won in Princeton, the state and nationally.
   In Princeton, Democrats field a slate that blended a mix of borough and township residents to lead the merged community. Mayoral candidate Liz Lempert, who ran at the top of the ticket, defeated her GOP opponent, former Township Mayor Richard Woodbridge.
   ”We ran as a team,” Ms. Howard said in addressing supporters Tuesday night.
   ”I’m very excited,” Mr. Simon said Tuesday.