Killmurray re-elected to Township Council
By Charles W. Kim, Managing Editor
Democratic Mayor Frank Gambatese will guide the township for the next four years, voters decided Tuesday.
Mr. Gambatese easily handled Republican challenger Paul Saltin 5,150 to 3,211, according to unofficial results from the Middlesex County Clerk’s Office.
"The people in South Brunswick speak for good government," Mr. Gambatese told supporters at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9111 Tuesday night. "Without you, we would not be there."
Mr. Gambatese was first elected to the post in 2002 after serving four years as deputy mayor under Mayor Debra Johnson, and is the second directly elected mayor in township history.
South Brunswick changed from a township committee to a mayor and council form in 1998.
"This was an election that verified and reaffirmed what, we as a (Democratic) party mean to the township," he said during a later interview. "Our main goal has always been quality of life issues. I’m really pleased with the results."
Mr. Gambatese said that the emphasis on that issue helped Money Magazine name the township number 22 in the nation as a "best place to live."
Deputy Mayor Chris Killmurray also won another term on the Township Council in his unopposed race with 5,816 votes.
"This (race) was really about the mayor and the job he is doing," he said. "(Residents) know where to find him, in the office everyday, and the good news for South Brunswick is that he will (continue to) be there."
He then thanked the community for its support for the Democratic ticket.
"I appreciate the hard work of the volunteers and the support of the town and the people who voted for me," he said. "I try to listen to the voters and make government work for them."
Freeholder Carol Barrett told supporters that she was pleased to win another term in county government.
"I love you, this is my hometown," Ms. Barrett told supporters. "Thanks to all of my friends."
Ms. Barrett and fellow Democrat Charles Tomaro beat Republican challengers Richard Greene and Stephanie Bartfalvi in the race for two Board of Chosen Freeholders seats.
Ms. Barrett received 76, 249 votes, Mr. Tomaro won 72,529 votes to take the seats compared to Mr. Greene’s 53,734 votes and Ms. Bartfalvi’s 51,471 votes, according to the county.