Democrats React to Mixed Election Results

Rich LaBarbiera won on Tuesday, but he was alone among his running mates in doing so.

So while in January, he'll be the mayor, he will be working with an all-Republican council after Democratic council candidates Rich Conte and Pat Verile for two open council spots.

But he said he was looking forward to continuing the work he started six years ago when he was first elected to the Borough Council. He said the entire government, parties aside, would have to focus on working for Paramus.

"The problems that are facing the borough, the state—require that everybody checks their labels at the door," he said. "That is the only way that you're going to serve the voter and the public."

Verile says he slept well Tuesday night.

Despite his loss, he was still proud of his showing in his first political campaign.

"It's been a wonderful experience," he said.

He was proud that he ran a positive campaign, proud he had gotten to know so many people and proud of of the reaction he had received from supporters who commended him on a well run race.

He chalked up the negative result as the consequences of a nationwide anti-Democrat sentiment. Verile said it was a of unhappiness with President Barack Obama that led voters to elect an all-Republican council.

He was more disappointed for Conte, who is on the tail end of six years as a councilman. Conte lost the election by 40 votes, not counting provisional ballots.

He was also disappointed for LaBarbiera, who couldn't fully enjoy his win Tuesday night.

"He deserved to really be happier," Verile said.

Verile expected that despite the one-party council, each member would vote with the borough's best interests in mind.

"Those people, regardless of being R's or I's or D's, are still citizens of Paramus that I understand then will do what's best for Paramus," he said.

Verile has lived in Paramus 20 years, and has spent much of that time working in the community, as part of a number of groups. He didn't rule out another try at politics.

"I don't know because I don't know if it's what the people want," he said.

Verile said he had watched people who had done much more for the community lose elections as well, but he's officially keeping his options open.

"Never say never," he said.

As for LaBarbiera, he seemed ready for his fair share of disagreements with the council over the next year. But, he said, disagreement is part of the process.

"I'm going to try my best and I'm optimistic that we—and I use the word 'we'—the council and the mayor, will work together and have a productive year," he said. "And while we'll disagree I think we'll agree that that's OK—as long a we do it in a civil way."