Post by Marilyn on Jan 17, 2008 10:00:57 GMT -5
MATAWAN — Paul Buccellato, a veteran Republican borough councilman, will be sworn in as mayor Jan. 22.
Buccellato won a special election for mayor Tuesday, defeating Democratic incumbent Mary Aufseeser. Unofficial results show Buccellato with 1,043 votes to 993 for Aufseeser.
"I was surprised at the turnout, the number of residents who came out and showed an interest in the election," Buccellato, 53, said in a telephone interview.
Asked what message he believes voters sent him, Buccellato said, "I think they want to see a new direction.
"I wish Mary the best. She was a formidable opponent, and she's a really nice person," he said. "I look forward to working with the council and look forward to moving Matawan into the future."
Aufseeser, 56, was seeking a second term. She could not be reached for comment Tuesday night.
Residents who voted at the Municipal Community Center on Broad Street had mixed reasons for supporting the candidates.
John Fox, 66, backed Aufseeser: "I like what she has done for the town. She helped senior citizens, cleaned up the town and brought more businesses to the town."
Rosemarie Clifton and her husband, Bill, cast their ballots for Buccellato.
"He knows more about the town, and he's been here longer," Bill Clifton said.
Sal Abela, 19, said he voted for Buccellato because of party affiliation.
Steve Jackson, 76, was sick Tuesday but went to the polls, he said, because voting is important.
"I think he (Buccellato) works better," Jackson said.
The special election was scheduled because of a tied vote for mayor in the Nov. 6 general election; each candidate received 947 votes.
Buccellato called for a recount and garnered one more vote than had been recorded Election Day.
The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for the Borough Council meeting at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, said Borough Administrator Frederick C. Carr. Certification of the election results will take place no later than Friday, Carr said.
Democrats maintain a majority on the council.
Buccellato won a special election for mayor Tuesday, defeating Democratic incumbent Mary Aufseeser. Unofficial results show Buccellato with 1,043 votes to 993 for Aufseeser.
"I was surprised at the turnout, the number of residents who came out and showed an interest in the election," Buccellato, 53, said in a telephone interview.
Asked what message he believes voters sent him, Buccellato said, "I think they want to see a new direction.
"I wish Mary the best. She was a formidable opponent, and she's a really nice person," he said. "I look forward to working with the council and look forward to moving Matawan into the future."
Aufseeser, 56, was seeking a second term. She could not be reached for comment Tuesday night.
Residents who voted at the Municipal Community Center on Broad Street had mixed reasons for supporting the candidates.
John Fox, 66, backed Aufseeser: "I like what she has done for the town. She helped senior citizens, cleaned up the town and brought more businesses to the town."
Rosemarie Clifton and her husband, Bill, cast their ballots for Buccellato.
"He knows more about the town, and he's been here longer," Bill Clifton said.
Sal Abela, 19, said he voted for Buccellato because of party affiliation.
Steve Jackson, 76, was sick Tuesday but went to the polls, he said, because voting is important.
"I think he (Buccellato) works better," Jackson said.
The special election was scheduled because of a tied vote for mayor in the Nov. 6 general election; each candidate received 947 votes.
Buccellato called for a recount and garnered one more vote than had been recorded Election Day.
The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for the Borough Council meeting at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, said Borough Administrator Frederick C. Carr. Certification of the election results will take place no later than Friday, Carr said.
Democrats maintain a majority on the council.
