By Michael Benavides
Staff Writer
PLUMSTED – Township committeemen Vince Lotito and Herb Marinari have retained their seats on Plumsted’s governing body.
The two Republicans ran unopposed for three-year terms on the Township Committee in the Nov. 8 election. The GOP will maintain a 5-0 majority on the governing body.
Marinari received 3,024 votes and Lotito received 2,767 votes, according to results posted online by the Ocean County Clerk’s Office. The results are unofficial until they are certified by the county.
Marinari said he was grateful to the residents who voted for him in his re-election bid.
“I want to thank all of the residents of this community who voted for me,” he said. “This vote was a very humbling experience. I will do my best to serve all of the residents. For those who did not vote for me, I will endeavor to gain your confidence during my term.”
Marinari has lived in Plumsted since 1980. He is a former member of the Plumsted Township School District Board of Education. He said his service on the Township Committee is his way of giving back to the community.
During his campaign, Marinari said his plans over the next several years include “bringing to a conclusion the new sewer system for downtown New Egypt, as well opening a new (residential) development that will over the next several decades bring our community much needed financial assistance.”
Lotito said he ran to retain his seat on the governing body because he wants to continue to have a voice in municipal affairs.
“Last year, I was elected to continue my appointment to serve in the unexpired term of (Dave Leutwyler). … the public invested me with a highly important office and trust, to which I have a high sense of accountability in view of the re-election process; specifically the people’s response to the manner in which that trust has been discharged,” Lotito said.
“In my re-election, I am truly honored because the people of Plumsted Township have expressed their continued confidence in me and have conferred those responsibilities on me for three more years. In that I am humbled and very thankful, and I will continue the endeavor and work hard for the great people of Plumsted,” he said.