By KATHY CHANG
Staff Writer
HELMETTA — Two Independent incumbents retained the two, three-year seats on the Helmetta Borough Council in the election on Nov. 8.
Joseph Reid garnered the most votes with 461, and Ronald Dzingleski collected 438 votes. Both candidates will be serving their first elected terms.
Reid and Dzingleski, who are both lifelong residents of the borough, had been appointed to fill vacancy seats earlier this year.
Their Republican challengers, Michael Duffy and James Misner, received 427 votes and 396 votes, respectively, in their losing bids for a first term on council.
Dzingleski said it has been a privilege and honor serving on the council.
“It is a testament of the job that we are doing as a team led by Mayor Chris Slavicek,” he said. “I’m proud to call Helmetta my hometown and will continue to serve the community with everyone’s best interest in mind.”
Dzingleski said as a homeowner and a taxpayer for more than 25 years, he will continue to work with the current administration on finding the most effective ways to reduce taxes, lower the cost of water bills and continue to look for a purchaser for the Helmetta Regional Animal Shelter, as well as reducing the bond payment and collecting tax revenue from the property.
“I will continue to work with the Recreation Committee on community engagement events and the Public Safety Committee to keep pushing community policing policies,” he said.
Dzingleski said he wished to thank those who supported him in the election.
“I’m looking forward to helping build a better community,” he said.
During the campaign, Reid said he would focus on unity among the residents and council.
“The town has grown together in the past year, and I am so thankful that I can continue to be a part of this positive progress. I would like to give thanks to all of the residents who came out to vote and who gave me a chance to help our town to succeed for years to come.
“One thing I would like to see happen as a council member is to continue to bring our town back together, listen to our residents’ questions, comments and concerns and try to handle them the best way possible, keep our recreation program growing stronger, continue to make residents feel confident and comfortable with our mayor and council and to keep Helmetta moving in a positive direction,” Reid said.
Councilwoman Noreen F. Carolan will serve the one-year unexpired seat that is also open. She was appointed in April to serve the rest of former Councilman Brian Hackett’s term. No other nomination was made to fill the seat.
Contact Kathy Chang at [email protected].