OLD BRIDGE — Some 6,725 voters turned out for the Old Bridge Township primary election Tuesday, with Republican voters scoring an upset.
Republican voters cast the most votes for long-time Republican Party stalwart Anita Greenberg-Belli, who drew 1,154 votes. Republican incumbent Councilwoman-at-Large Eleanor “Debbie” Walker received 865 votes, and incumbent Councilman-at-Large Brian Cahill received 834 votes. Councilman-at-Large James Anderson, failed to secure a spot on the party line for the November election, garnering just 748 votes.
The Old Bridge Democratic Committee ‘s uncontested primary slate will advance to the November ballot: Bill Cerra, a retired township police captain, heads the Democratic ticket as candidate for mayor. The ticket also includes Tom Galante, Jack Gillick and Deborah Marquez, who are candidates for the three council-at-large seats.
“It’s kind of bittersweet,” said Cahill, who will be seeking a third term on council. “I feel vindicated of what had happened during the screening process; however, I feel that it is unfortunate that Councilman Anderson is not on the ticket with me because he worked very hard.”
In March, the Old Bridge Republican Committee held screenings for mayoral and council candidates selecting Walker, Anderson and Greenberg-Belli to be on the local Republican Party ticket as council candidates. Cahill did not receive enough committee votes.
The county party chairman set aside the local committee’s vote, placing Cahill’s name on the county party’s ticket and removing Walker, whose name appeared on the primary ballot under the Old Bridge Republican Party line.
Walker said she is thankful to the Old Bridge residents who came out to support her.
“I will continue to track the financial stability in the township as well as the concerns raised by residents,” she said.
Greenberg-Belli, former Old Bridge Republican chair, said she is thankful for the Old Bridge residents who came out to support her and Walker, her running mate.
“The public made their decision and we look forward to a positive fall election,” she said.
Cahill said as they move forward, every party member has the responsibility to serve the residents of Old Bridge and do what is right for the township.
Anderson, who was seeking his second term, said at the end of the day you have to respect the voters’ decisions.
Republican Mayor Owen Henry is seeking a second term as mayor. He did not face a primary challenge.