Checchia To Run As Write-In Candidate in November

Former has announced he plans to launch a write-in campaign for Township Committee.

After running as a challenger candidate in the Republican primary earlier this month and losing to the , Checchia said he’d support the primary winners in the November election.

He said Tuesday his change of heart had to do with comments made just before election day by Blumenthal, and his belief that the current Committee – including incumbent Lisella – is dragging its feet on the budget process.

“She said they reflected real Republican values,” Checchia said of Blumenthal, “but they don’t respect the taxpayers.”

He also said he felt it was unacceptable that the Committee was planning to meet once a month for the summer while the budget was still in limbo – a budget he thinks gives too much in raises to township professionals.

“I don’t think we’re going to get that budget passed before the election,” he said.

Checchia, who received 133 votes to Lisella and Blumenthal’s combined 1,211, said he feels his push for write-in votes could siphon support from the two Republican candidates on the ballot.

“I don’t think the people who voted for me would turn around and vote for them,” he said. But he though they might decide to support, who gathered enough signatures before primary day to have his name added to the November ballot.

“If the majority of the voters want to elect the type of situation we have now, so be it,” he said, “but don’t cry when you get your tax bill.”