Manley Retains Verona Council Seat By Single Vote

Essex County Clerk Chris Durkin announced incumbent Bob Manley retained his seat on the Verona Township Council by a lone vote in Tuesday's municipal elections, after seven provisional ballots were counted Thursday in Newark.

When the unofficial election results came in from the May 14 election, challenger Rich Williamson was ahead with 975 votes, while Manley had 973 votes.

After absentee ballots were counted the results were even closer, with Manley holding a razor-thin 1,009-1,008 lead.

When the provisional ballots were counted by the Essex County Clerk's Office Thursday, the results remained in favor of Manley.

“I want to thank Rich Williamson for being the class guy that he is,” said Manley, who added that Williamson was the first to call to congratulate him. “He ran a great campaign and he should be very proud of himself.” 

“I'm happy that it's me, but if Richie had won I would be just as happy, he would have done a fantastic job,” he added.

Each candidate received three provisional votes, bringing Manley's total to 1,012 and Williamson's total to 1,011, according to Verona Municipal Clerk Susan Neale.

Essex County Clerk Christopher Durkin later confirmed the results.

“I'm disappointed, but for the first time I think I had a good showing,” said Williamson shortly after the votes were made public. “This is the perfect example where every vote counts and it's a shame more people don't vote. This is a civic lesson for the ages.” 

Williamson added that he would not request a recount.

Manley was not available for comment after the results were announced.

Manley will remain on the council with incumbents Kevin Ryan and Jay Sniatkowski, who finished with 1,153 and 1,036 votes, respectively.

“Sue Neale will certify the election tomorrow and the winners will be official, then they get sworn in July 1,” said Durkin, who echoed Williamson's sentiments that every vote does indeed count in an election. “In small towns like Verona there are close elections more often than not.”