Republicans Defeat Independents in Stafford

Despite the fact that this was the first partisan election in more than two decades, incumbent Republican Mayor John Spodofora defeated Challenger Paul Marchal in the mayoral race this evening, and most of Repblicans held off their independent challengers.

The Republican ticket included Spodofora for mayor, incumbent council president Steve Fessler, incumbents councilmen Robert Kusznikow and Henry Mancini, and newcomers Sharon McKenna, Paul Krier and Lori Wyrsch. Mancini, Krier and Wyrsch have been conducting their campaign strategy independent from the other Republicans, noting "minor differences" in opinion about how to run the campaign, but all seven Republicans were elected.

On their campaign website www.mancinikrierwyrsch.com, the three candidates promise to work hard and represent the township fairly.

Speaking this evening with Patch, Spodofora noted he is proud of the work he and others have accomplished. He said that following Sandy, much work needs to be done, but that he is confident the township will emerge "stronger than ever."

He said he was happy with the voter turnout, adding, "I think the vote sends a strong message that the public is happy with the direction we're taking."

The Republicans defeated the challenging "We are Stafford" team, which  includes Marchal, David Taylor, incumbent Joanne Sitek, Christopher McManus, Esther Libenschek, Ben Pieper, and Brian Corley White for Council.

Eric Libenschek, who worked as We Are Stafford's campaign manager, said they had heard "it was going to be more competitive than it was, but the people have spoken and it is what it is."

Another independent candidate, who is not affiliated with "We Are Stafford," Thomas Litwin, of the Beach Haven West section was arrested and charged for trying to sell marijuana to an undercover police officer. Litwin recieved 72 votes. He could not be reached for comment.

Although there were some changes to voting places due to Sandy, signs up in Beach Haven West directed voters to the St. Mary's location for residents to cast their vote, and at two locations in the township, people reported few to no problems with the changes. "Turnout has been good," according to one eyewitness, with minimal lines reported at most locations in the township.

Southern Regional Board of Education

The board election here held no real competition, with three incumbents: Board President Steven P. Berkheiser of Pond Hollow Lane, Christopher Taylor of Lyle Avenue and Keith Weidenhof of Lighthouse Drive holding onto their seats.

Stafford Board of Education

Two incumbents -- current Board President Tammy Nicolini of Willow Court, and Beth Sicoli of Galleon Road -- and a newcomer Michael Hemenway of Lazy Oak Lane captured three seats in Stafford. Carey Lawlor-Kessler defeated Sean Wasacz for a one-year unexpired term.

Southern Regional (vote for 3, three-year terms)

5,272

Stafford local (vote for 3, three-year terms)

Stafford, local, (vote for 1, 1-year unexpired term.)