Incumbents Retain Seats, Two Newcomers Elected in Verona

As of 9:08 p.m., the County Clerk's website shows the unofficial vote tallys in the 2011 non-partisan council elections. Every incumbent seeking re-election was swept to victory in Verona and Cedar Grove, and Verona elected two newcomers to the governing body.

In Cedar Grove, Incumbent Councilman E. Romeo Longo defetated challenger Cheryl Brown. Councilmen Peter Tanella and Robert O'Toole, who were running unopposed, also retained their seats.

In an interview after the results came in, Longo said he would continue to uphold the principles he always has in his five terms on the Council.

"I'm very pleased the voters chose to re-elect me. I will continue to fight the good fight, and stand strong against the Hilltop development," he said.

"It's a David and Goliath type situation, and we all know how that turned out."

In Verona, Deputy Mayor Frank Sapienza lead the pack of four candidates seeking a four-year term on the governing body. Newcomer Michael Nochimson narrowly defeated Robert Caruso for the other four-year seat. Newcomer Kevin Ryan beat out three challengers for the two-year unexpired term of former Councilman Ken McKenna.

"I feel like I'm in It's a Wonderful Life," Sapienza said Tuesday night.

"I'm so touched. The people have been so supportive. It's really the kind of community I'm proud to live in. I'm looking forward to serving another four years in this community."

When asked what his first order of business is as a re-elected councilman, Sapienza joked, "To go to sleep."

Ryan said he was in "a state of shock" following the results, and called his victory in his first-ever political campaign "a gratifying experience."

"I feel really good. Myself and my opponents all ran good campaigns, and I'm looking forward to getting started."

Nochimson did not return calls seeking comment.

Ryan will be sworn in next week. Sapienza and Nochimson will take the oath of office at the township's annual reorganization meeting at the end of June.