METUCHEN — A former councilman will take the helm of the borough as mayor in January.
Democrat Peter Cammarano surged ahead of Republican opponent Daniel Lebar in the polls, garnering 72 percent of the vote.
“It’s very exciting,” said Cammarano, who served on the council from 2008 through 2014, when he decided not to seek re-election.
According to unofficial results from the county, Cammarano received 2,023 votes, while Lebar received 799.
In taking on the mayoral post, Cammarano said one of his main areas of focus will be the changing face of Metuchen in light of the major developments happening there.
“I think we have a lot going on with the redevelopment, and I’m looking forward to getting my arms around it,” he said.
Cammarano added that he plans to ensure sound management and continued progress on the two large developments that are currently underway — Woodmont Metro at Metuchen Station, a mixed-use retail and residential project, formerly known as the Pearl Street Piazza, which will include a six-story parking deck; and The District at Metuchen, a project whose first phase is set to house a Whole Foods Market and other retail stores.
Current Council President Ron Grayzel and Councilwoman Allison Inserro, both Democrats, held onto their seats on the dais in the uncontested council race.
Grayzel received 2,077 votes, for 51 percent of the total cast. Inserro received 2,016 votes, or 49 percent.