MILLTOWN — Mayor Eric Steeber said continuing to relocate borough facilities out of flood plains and revitalizing the downtown area top his priority list as he moves on from the Nov. 3 election.
Steeber, a Democrat, will serve a second term as mayor after he received 1,085 votes to best Republican challenger Ronald D. Dixon, who recorded 807 votes.
“I’m greatly humbled that the folks in town are letting me continue to serve them,” Steeber said. “I’m very pleased about the outcome of the election and that my two running mates have been elected into office.
Democrats won the race for the two Borough Council seats up for election.
Former councilman Randy Farkas received 1,020 votes and newcomer Nick Ligotti received 1,000 votes to win three-year terms.
On the Republican ticket Councilman Neil Raciti, who received 682 votes, lost his bid for re-election. Richard Revolinsky, seeking his first term on the council, made it a closer race, with 973 votes.
Steeber said his focus would be continuing to move municipal assets out of flood plains, which includes building a new public works facility.
“We have to make sure our utilities are in order and continue to make municipal assets a priority,” he said.
Steeber said another focus will be on revitalizing the downtown area with public input on streetscape and long-term plans of what residents want Milltown to look like going forward.
He said a committee will be formed immediately to begin work on a vision for Milltown for the next 100 years.
Farkas said the election results were not only a great win for the Democratic team, but also a win for Milltown.
Farkas, who served two terms on council and failed to win reelection in 2014, said he looks forward to returning to council and getting to work.
“My first priority is the commissioning of the new electrical substation,” Farkas said. “As a member of the Milltown Electrical Substation Committee and a returning councilman, I am very excited to see that we are so close to turning on the power and getting the new station up and running.”
Additionally, Farkas said he will be concentrating his efforts on the borough’s water distribution system repair and upgrade to eliminate discolored water throughout the town.
“Finally, I plan on taking on a more proactive role in the finances and administration of the borough,” he said. “I am very excited to get back to work for the residents of our great town.”
Ligotti, who will serve his first term, said he was extremely happy to win the council seat.
“It was a long, hard-fought campaign by both Democrats and Republicans,” he said. “I look forward to working with the rest of the Milltown council members to keep Milltown a safe, happy and thriving community.”
Ligotti said he believes some of the most important issues facing Milltown include water quality and streets in need of repair.
“I would also like to keep taxes stabilized for the residents,” he said. “And one final issue is our Main Street area. … I would love to work on ways to bring small businesses to Milltown.”