Quiet Races Emerge from Primary Elections

In a light primary turnout, nearly 9 percent of West Caldwell registered voters—the most of the three municipalities—cast ballots on Tuesday.

Republican incumbent Joseph Tempesta, who seeks a fourth term as mayor, received 480 votes, while running mates Joseph Cecere garnered 484 votes and newcomer Stephen Wolsky earned 462 for the two open council seats.

Alex Trento, the Democrat challenger for mayor, received 163 votes, while running mates Leonard Luciano earned 172 votes and Robert Natko received 158.

The two council seats are currently held by Cecere and Rosemarie Sutherlin. While Cecere, the council's president, seeks a second term, Sutherlin will not run for a third time.

Trento, who was recently inducted into the Essex County Democratic Hall of Fame, ran for a spot on West Caldwell's council in 1982 and 2003 after being elected to Irvington's council in 1968 at the age of 25.

Approximately 6 percent of Caldwell's registered voters cast ballots with Republican Ann Dassing receiving 195 votes, while running mates John Coyle received 194 votes and Tom O'Donnell garnered 192 votes for the two open council seats.

The GOP group is running unopposed as three Democrat write-in candidates for mayor and two for council were cast on Tuesday. Each received one vote.

Democrat Susan Gartland will not seek a second term as mayor. The two open council seats are currently held by Kay Slattery and Dassing, the council's president. Slattery, who has served for a total of four years, will not seek a second full term. 

North Caldwell Republican Mayor Mel Levine received 192 votes as he runs unopposed in his bid for a third term.

Republican Council President Joseph Alessi garnered 193 votes, while newcomer Arthur Rees earned 184 votes for the two open council seats currently held by Alessi and James Campbell, who will not seek re-election.

Alessi and Rees are opposed by Democrat Richard DelVecchio, who received 58 votes.

In addition, Republican Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen, who represents New Jersey's 11 district, received 76 percent and a total of 32,570 votes to defeat challenger Richard Luzzi, who garnered 10,048 votes.

Frelinghuysen received 445 votes in West Caldwell, 173 in North Caldwell and 148 in Caldwell. Frelinghuysen, who has held the position for 16 years, will be opposed by Chatham Democrat Douglas Herbert, who received 72 percent of his party's votes to beat James Kelly.

Caldwell Mayor—Ann Dassing (R) 195; Council—John Coyle (R) 194, Tom O'Donnell (R) 192

West Caldwell Mayor—Joseph Tempesta (R) 480, Alex Trento (D) 163; Council—Joseph Cecere (R) 484, Stephen Wolsky (R) 462, Leonard Luciano (D) 172, Robert Natko (D) 158

North Caldwell Mayor—Mel Levine (R) 192; Council—Joseph Alessi (R) 193, Arthur Rees (R) 184, Richard DelVecchio (D) 58