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SOUTH BRUNSWICK: Mayor Gambatese seeking fourth term

Democratic Mayor Frank Gambatese is looking for a fourth term in office.

By Charles W. Kim, Managing Editor
Democratic Mayor Frank Gambatese is looking for a fourth term in office.
   ”The party asked me to consider another run,” Mr. Gambatese said Tuesday. “There are three or four issues I would like to see completed.”
   Mr. Gambatese has served on the governing body for almost two decades and became the second directly elected mayor in township history in 2002.
   He previously was the deputy mayor under Debra Johnson when the township changed its form of government in 1998.
   Ms. Johnson was the first elected mayor that year and served one term.
   During the next 12 years, Mr. Gambatese has worked at town hall everyday, speaking with residents and businesses.
   ”The town is on the right track,” he said. “South Brunswick is becoming well known in the state.”
   Mr. Gambatese said that he and Deputy Mayor Chris Killmurray would both be on the ballot this year with the unanimous support of the township’s Democratic Committee.
   Former Republican Councilman John O’Sullivan had previously said he would run for mayor, but changed his mind and will not seek the office.
   ”I ran three times (for council) in five years,” Mr. O’Sullivan said Tuesday. “I am taking some time off to recharge my batteries, but I am not going away.”
   Mr. O’Sullivan said he did not know who the Republicans would put up in the race for mayor and one council seat this year.
   Candidates have until March 31 to submit petitions for the local race.
   According to Mr. Gambatese, finishing Route 522 to Route 535, rezoning Route 1 and getting approval for a 17-acre solar farm behind Sondek Park are the major reasons why he is looking to stay in the mayor’s seat.
   ”I would love for the state to finish (Route 1) by making it three lanes,” Mr. Gambatese said. “We are the laughing stock of New Jersey. It is the only place where it is only two lanes (in either direction).”
   He also said that the township needs to seriously look at the zoning along the 6.7-mile corridor.
   ”We need to get some shopping in there,” Mr. Gambatese said.