Outgoing Chatham Boro Councilman Looking Forward

CHATHAM, NJ - The blue wave that swept through New Jersey Tuesday washed over Chatham Borough, ousting Republicans Peter Hoffman and Leonard Resto from the Chatham Borough Council dais in favor of Democrats Carolyn Dempsey and Jocelyn Mathiasen.

"Last evening, I phoned both Carolyn Dempsey and Jocelyn Mathiasen to offer them my congratulations on their hard-earned victory. They were both extremely gracious in accepting my call," Resto said in an email. "I offered them every bit of assistance I could provide to help ensure a smooth transition. It is my duty to help them hit the ground running in January. This is how we move forward in Chatham, by offering cooperation and unity. To do anything less would be unacceptable to me."

The unofficial numbers from the Morris County Clerk's Office saw Dempsey as the top vote getter with 1,975 and running mate Jocelyn Mathiasen notching 1,906 votes. Resto tallied 1,759 and Hoffman 1,657 in the contest. Results remain unofficial until certified by the county clerk. In close races, uncounted mail-in ballots could change the results.

Resto said that life goes on and what he described as record turnout at the polls should be celebrated. Resto also noted that his former rivals won the the old-fashioned way: having a great ground game with energized volunteers and a relentless work ethic.

"I know they’ll bring both those qualities to their new roles as Council Members. I want to work to ensure their success because their success will be Chatham’s success," Resto said. "We all love Chatham. None of us would have run for office if we didn’t. We must never lose sight of that fact."

Resto said all candidates run to improve Chatham and that all positions are volunteer.

"My view is that the most important responsibility accompanying the position of Council Member is constituent service. I always strove to help residents with their problems, whether they were local, state or sometimes federal. Residents’ problems became my problems," Resto said. "I know Carolyn and Jocelyn will do the same."

Resto said that during the heat of the campaign, things were said and done that in retrospect he and Hoffman would take back. Despite that, Resto thanked the many supporters and friends he's gained over the years.

"I thank those who worked hard on our campaign. Your kindness will always be remembered. I will continue to help the Borough; but, in a different capacity," Resto said.

Resto said that now he is looking to the future, because January, and the end of his tenure on the dais, is fast approaching.

"Let’s rejoice in the fact that so many voted and let’s help Carolyn and Jocelyn make our dreams come true," Resto said. "At the end of the day, win or lose, we all love this special place we call home."

(Photo courtesy of Len Resto)

Thanks for reading! Learn more about posting announcements or events to your
local Patch site here. Have a news tip you'd like to share? Or maybe you have a press release you would like to submit or a correction you'd like to request? Send an email to russ.crespolini@patch.com

Subscribe to your local Patch newsletter by clicking here. You can also have them delivered to your phone screen by downloading our Apple iOS app here, or by visiting the Google Play store for the Android app here.