North Brusnwick Township Democrats retained control of the town council by a margin of 2-to-1.
Mayor Francis “Mac” Womack and Councilmen Robert Corbin and Robert Davis defeated Republican candidates John Zier, Audrey Andrews and Carmine Genovese, respectively, during elections Nov. 8. It was the first time in at least 30 years that the Democrats won every district.
“I can’t believe Bobby and I, this is our fourth term as council people, and Mac’s third term as mayor,” Davis said. “This means we’re doing a good job, and we’re doing it for everybody here.”
Corbin, who joked that he was re-elected because people thought the campaign signs around town were for his wife, Board of Education member Connie Corbin, thanked the committee people, Rich Zangara and Gary Hirsch for their work on the campaign.
“I honestly believe if you did not believe in us, you would not be here supporting us,” Corbin said to attendees of the victory party. “I could not be more happy to win again.… It’s not an easy job, it’s a hard job, and we try to do the best for you and I think residents think we do the best we can.”
Womack was also in a joking mood, saying he registered his son, Francis Macintosh Womack IV, for the mayoral term.
He thanked the six members of the council for being “consistent and steadfast in doing the right thing for North Brunswick.” He promised commercial development along Jersey Avenue and a downtown feel for Livingston Avenue in the coming year.
“We will move forward aggressively in North Brunswick. We are not going to sit back on the last eight years. … We are going to make North Brunswick the best place in central New Jersey to live,” Womack said. “Call every member of the council, call me, and let us know what to do to get the town moving forward in the best way possible.”
Genovese was disappointed with the election results because he believes the Republican Party put up good candidates. He said voters went straight down the Democratic Party line to choose their representatives.
“How long can we keep increasing taxes by a small or large percentage each year?” he said. “It’s not sustainable for the local, state or federal government.”
“This is a democracy. People need options. We provided options,” Andrews added.
She viewed the campaign as a learning experience, getting to meet her neighbors and learn how large a town North Brunswick actually is. Zier stood by his campaign focus that if residents were happy with the way the town was being represented they should vote the same way as in prior years, but if they wanted a change, they should vote Republican.
“Carmine, Audrey and I gave it our best shot. The people spoke and I respect that,” Zier said. “I ran on the issue that I am not a politician, I am a regular person who works 10- to 12-hour days, five days a week. I am not happy with the way things are. I am not happy with taxes going up double digits.”
Congratulating the current members of the board, Zier said he hopes they focus on addressing spending issues and controlling taxes.
“I hope the current administration really appreciates that you work for the people. Carmine, Audrey and I, had we been elected, would have worked for the people.”
The reorganization for the council will be held Jan. 1. Contact Jennifer Amato at [email protected].