MONTGOMERY: Township government to stay all GOP

Voters reelected incumbent Republicans Ed Trzaska and Patricia Graham to the Township Committee, giving them the largest margin of victory in Montgomery since 2004.

By Jennifer Kohlhepp, Staff Writer
   MONTGOMERY — Voters reelected incumbent Republicans Ed Trzaska and Patricia Graham to the Township Committee, giving them the largest margin of victory in Montgomery since 2004.
   This was the sixth election in a row that the Republicans have swept. The current mayor and deputy mayor faced Democratic newcomers Ernie Willson and Sarah Roberts.
   Mr. Trzaska earned 3,178 votes in the election. Ms. Graham garnered 3,002 votes and Mr. Wilson and Ms. Roberts earned 2,300 and 2,394 votes respectively in the Nov. 5 election.
   ”I was overwhelmed by the amount of support that Pat and I received from our fellow residents,” Mayor Trzaska said. “It shows that we are moving Montgomery in the right direction.”
   Ms. Graham said, “I’m very pleased obviously and grateful Montgomery voters have again elected me to serve. I plan to continue going forward putting Montgomery first.”
   During the campaign, the incumbents focused on their record and vision for the next three years.
   ”The feedback we heard from voters was outstanding,” Mr. Trzaska said. “They agree with our core governing principles of do more with less, protect public health and safety services, and preserve Montgomery’s rural character, and believe we are doing a good job.”
   Being mayor for the past two years has been rewarding for Mr. Trzaska and he looks forward to serving Montgomery for another term.
   ”We are working hard on evolving our police department, bringing in new services/businesses, investing in road improvements, finalizing more open space purchases, and spending our tax dollars more wisely,” Mr. Trzaska said. “We have a lot of work to do and I am excited to continue to help our community progress and prosper.”
Ms. Graham said she looks forward to continuing responsible fiscal management, keeping an eye on the Transco pipeline project, fulfilling the police succession plan and buying open space.
   ”Thank you to the voters of Montgomery for allowing me to serve on the committee,” Ms. Graham said.
   Ms. Roberts thanked her supporters and the many people who volunteered and sent kind words and encouragement.
   ”The main reason to run is to give the voters a choice and that’s what we tried to do,” Ms. Roberts said. “We also tried to raise issues we thought would be valuable to the town. We know that Ed and Pat care about Montgomery and I hope to continue to work for Montgomery in any way I can and I hope to with them.”
   Mr. Willson said, “First I want to thank our loyal supporters who worked and voted for Sarah Roberts and me. Second I’d like to offer my congratulations to Ed Trzaska and Pat Graham.”
   In Mr. Willson’s opinion, low voter turnout and Gov. Chris Christie’s popularity were the deciding factors in the election.
   ”Montgomery has many challenges ahead, and I will continue to work to improve conditions here in the township in any way I can,” Mr. Willson said. “I will continue to get more people involved in the process of government, increase transparency in government, and lead the Democratic Party to victory next year.”