Next Bridgewater Mayor: 'Thank You For Sharing Our Vision'

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Republican Matthew Moench and his team have beat out Democrat Jeffrey Brookner and his team for Mayor and Council in Bridgewater, according to unofficial results reported by Somerset County. The final count on Mail in Ballots will be provided by the County Clerk Office on Nov. 12.

"Thank you to the residents who supported us and share our vision for the town we love. Thank you also to all the voters who participated in this election and to Mr. Brookner, Ms. Selikoff and Mr. Arcoleo for their willingness to run and serve the township. Michael, Tim, and I look forward to working with our colleagues on the council to begin the transition process and prepare to govern in January," Moench said.

It was a very heated race with three candidates running for Mayor and four candidates running for two open three-year council seats. Mayoral candidates include: Democrat Jeffrey J. Brookner, Republican Matthew Moench, and Libertarian Gregg Mele.

BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP MAYOR ELECTION RESULTS:

• MATTHEW MOENCH - 6,382
• JEFFREY BROOKNER - 4,411
• GREGG MELE - 242

Republicans Michael Kirsh and Timothy Ring also won over Democrats John Arcoleo and Patti Selikoff for the two open three-year township council seats.

BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP COUNCIL ELECTION RESULTS (2-SEATS):

• MICHAEL KIRSH - 6,300
• TIMOTHY RING - 6,238
• PATTI SELIKOFF - 4,544
• JOHN ARCOLEO - 4,495

Ongoing issues of development or over-development in the township have been a hot topic. Most recently many residents are protesting the proposed Center of Excellence project slated for the now-vacant 100-plus acre Sanofi-Aventis property on Route 202/206.

• See Related: Residents Hire Attorney To Fight Center Of Excellence Project

The applicant, CIP II/AR Bridgewater Holdings LLC, is looking to build two sections on the property. The front portion or the retail and commercial zone near Route 202/206 is projected to encompass plans of building a hotel, supermarket, fitness/wellness center, restaurants with outdoor dining, around 400 luxury apartment units and boutiques. This has been called one of the largest developments in township's history since the Bridgewater Commons mall.

The back portion is set as a research and development zone that includes businesses such as Nestle.

The school board had an uncontested race with three candidates vying for the three open three-year seats. Candidates include Steven Singer, Jill Gladstone, and Lynne Hurley.

BRIDGEWATER TOWNSHIP SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION RESULTS (3-SEATS):

• LYNNE HURLEY - 5,865
  
• JILL GLADSTONE - 5,847
• STEVEN SINGER - 5,201

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