Wayne Primary Race Has Been Brewing For Some Time

WAYNE, N.J. — The primary battle between Lonni Miller-Ryan and incumbent Chris Vergano for the Republican nomination for mayor has been brewing for more than three years.

Vergano has gone unchallenged for his party’s nomination and faced little opposition from local Democrats during his decade in office. However, the race could run counter to the party’s seemingly calm appearance, a party that has largely enjoyed a stronghold in Wayne for years.

The party was in turmoil in 2013 when a split existed between Vergano and Miller-Ryan, which could have signaled a battle between two Republican factions, the Republicans for the People and the Regular Republicans.

RELATED: Councilwoman Lonni Miller-Ryan Running for Wayne Mayor

Vergano had hoped to replace Miller-Ryan, the incumbent council president, on his ticket with former Passaic County Freeholder Deborah Ciambrone, but township Republicans nominated Ryan and councilmen James Jimenez and Joseph Schweighardt.

John Traier, chairman of the Passaic County Regular Republican Organization, did not respond to an email seeking comment.

Miller-Ryan announced last week her decision to run for mayor. The incumbent council president is former Assemblyman Scott Rumana’s legislative director. She was first elected to the council in 2010 after being appointed to fill the seat vacated by Mary Ann O’Rourke earlier that year.

She said that Wayne is “at a crossroads,” and facing “extreme development and economic pressure.”

RELATED: Chris Vergano Announces He Is Running For A 3rd Mayoral Term

Vergano has spent years trying to foster development, increase tax ratables and lower municipal taxes — something his administration did last year.

Eyeing The Assembly

Wayne Republicans are also trying to keep their party represented at the state level. Joseph Bubba Jr., founder of the Wayne Regular Republican Organization, is running for one of the two 40th District state Assembly seats. The move signals a battle between Bubba and incumbent Kevin Rooney and his slate of Republican candidates. Rooney, the former mayor of Wyckoff, was recently appointed to the position. He said he would seek a full term if he was appointed to the seat.

Bubba previously said he is “ready to unleash his energy and determination in the 40th Legislative District race.” Bubba has the support of Trainer and Paul Diagaetano, chairman of the Bergen County Republican Organization.

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