SOUTH BRUNSWICK – The governing body in South Brunswick will presumably remain fully Democratic.
Incumbents Joseph Camarota, Archana “Ann” Grover and Josephine Hochman presumably retained their seats on the Township Council during the Nov. 3 election.
According to results posted by Middlesex County, as of Nov. 16, which was current as of press time, Camarota received 14,901 votes, Grover received 14,431 votes and Hochman received 14,268 votes.
Three Republican candidates ran against the incumbents. Brian William Wojaczyk received 6,656 votes. Mike Kushwarra received 6,651 votes. Antonia Kulberda received 6,024 votes.
There were 52 write-in votes.
Election results are not official until they have been certified by the county, which was expected around Nov. 23.
Camarota said the 2020 coronavirus pandemic had a “tremendous impact” on the campaign.
“Quite frankly, the typical two- to three-month (September-November) campaign season never materialized this year. Just about every community function was canceled, door-to-door campaigning did not make sense due to health concerns, and all debates/meet the candidates events were called off.
“Realistically, the coronavirus created a scenario throughout the United States wherein challengers were at a disadvantage by not being able to effectively campaign and incumbents had to run almost solely on their record – which is why it is so humbling and quite surprising to see the vote totals that Ann, Jo and myself achieved this year. It is such an honor and privilege to serve and represent the people of South Brunswick,” he said.
Over the next four years, Camarota said, he and his fellow council members want to continue to serve members of the public by listening and responding to their needs.
“We need to remain fiscally responsible while trying to maintain, if not improve, our current level of services. For now, our most paramount concern, especially in light of the continuing pandemic, is the health, safety and welfare of every person in our community,” he said.
The other candidates could not be reached by press time.