According to unofficial results from the Burlington County Board of Elections, Shamong Township residents cast their votes Nov. 5 to re-elect two men to the township committee.
Incumbent Republicans Timothy Gimbel and Michael DiCroce beat Democrats Eileen Carlos and Lauren Smith. Gimbel and DiCroce earned 32.96 percent and 32.93 percent of the votes, respectively; Carlos and Smith earned 17.07 percent and 17.04 percent, respectively, as of deadline.
In a polling report provided to The Sun, 1,924 out of 5,052 registered voters cast ballots.
“The voter turnout on a non-election year really validates what we’re trying to do,” Gimbel said. “I think that’s really the story. It validates what we’re doing and I would commend Ms. Smith and Carlos for coming and giving a different view or opinion than ours, which is what’s great about our country.”
DiCroce added he and Gimbel were made aware of a few registered Democrats who switched parties at the polls to re-elect them, a sign that people vote based on issues and not party lines.
“I think most people want to look at the issues and figure out what’s the right answer and what’s the best thing to do for people in the town,” he said.
The duo thanked those who voted for them and welcomed those with opposing views to discuss issues they care about,, the better to create dialogue and make informed decisions.
The main issues that concern DiCroce and Gimbel are cannabis, the roundabout proposed at the intersection of Willow Grove and Stokes roads and the cell tower proposed next to Opici Wine Co of New Jersey on Oakshade Road.
Opponents Carlos and Smith commended the support of their families, friends and voters, and recalled how, as running mates, they came to be where they are now.
“Lauren, a registered Republican, met Eileen, a registered Democrat, who came together by the fate of friends,” the candidates said in a joint statement to The Sun. “Both were discouraged by the elements that drive us and decided that we would run together to do what is best by the township.”
They added DiCroce and Gimbel helped spur more conversations about township issues that could affect their way of life.
Carlos and Smith added that, after canvassing for votes, they learned of free little libraries, roads needing repairs, speeding on main roads and the cell tower’s controversial location. They vowed to continue fighting for a new location of the tower that would be in “an area more conducive to the need and less intrusive to the scenic corridor.”
“The residents see change as a threat to their way of life,” they said. “We hope that one day they will see change as a progression of future benefits. Shamong Township is worth fighting for.
“See you at your polling place in 2020.”
In other election news:
In the race for the two open seats on the Shamong Township local Board of Education, incumbents Jeffrey S. Warner and Jeffrey Siedlecki won the uncontested election with 49.47 percent and 48.80 percent of votes, respectively.
Voters cast ballots for Burlington County Sheriff, with Democrat Anthony Basantis defeating Republican candidates Michael Ditzel, Erik D. Johnston and Robert Shapiro. Basantis received 53 percent of the vote.
For the Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Democrat Linda A. Hynes beat current Republican Freeholder Latham Tiver, (R), with Hynes receiving 55.31 percent of the votes.
Voters elected Democrat Daniel J. O’Connell over Republican Lee Schneider to fill a two-year, unexpired term on the Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders. O’Connell received 54.86 percent of the vote.
In the race for two open seats in the Eighth Legislative District in of the General Assembly, Republicans Jean Stanfield and incumbent Ryan Peters were elected, to serve, receiving 24,310 and 24,168 votes from district voters.
Additionally, A total of 859,600 voters in New Jersey cast a ‘yes’ vote for Public Question No. 1, granting certain veterans’ benefits to residents of continuing care retirement communities. The proposed N.J. constitutional amendment allows for eligible veterans who live in such retirement communities to receive the same $250 tax deduction as veterans who live in private residences.
Results are unofficial until certified by the county’s Board of Elections.
