EDISON — As Mayor Thomas Lankey enters his second term, he and his administration will continue to market the township as a prime location for growing corporations, for commercial investors and for small business start-ups.
“It is safe to say that during my second four-year term, I intend to build upon my administration’s proud record of achievement,” he said, adding that in the coming days and weeks, he and his administration will carefully consider and discuss their short-term goals and long-term strategic plans.
Additionally, Lankey said working with the Township Council, his administration will continue the annual street repaving and infrastructure improvement programs and continue to strengthen the township’s Division of Public Safety.
In the Nov. 7 election, Lankey garnered 12,032 votes over Republican challenger Keith Hahn, who received 8,574 votes, to win his second four-year term as mayor of the fifth largest township in the state.
Hahn said he is proud of the campaign he and his team ran, which he said was based on facts and issues.
“Our message resonated in the districts with residents who own homes and pay taxes,” he said.
On June 12, Hahn after serving as Democratic Chairman since 2015, was defeated by one vote to Shariq Ahmed. In August, Hahn announced he was switching parties and running as a Republican for mayor.
Democratic Incumbents Robert Diehl, Alvaro Gomez and newcomer Samip “Sam” Joshi garnered enough votes to win the three, four-year term seats on the Township Council against three Republican challengers.
Diehl, who will serve his fifth term, received 12,382 votes, Joshi, who will serve his first term, came in with 11,827 votes and Gomez, who will serve his third term, received 11,717 votes.
During the campaign, Diehl said the most important issue is to keep municipal property taxes as low and stable as possible, making Edison affordable for families and the township’s growing senior population.
Gomez said he will ensure that people’s hard-earned tax dollars continue to be reinvested in high-quality; efficiently-delivered township services and continue to be used to improve our infrastructure.
Joshi said he would like to focus on redevelopment and economic growth of the neighborhood around and closest to the Edison Train station, off Plainfield Avenue.
Former Councilman Wayne J. Mascola garnered 7,042 votes and newcomers Maria Orchid and Larry D. Deutchman received 6,919 votes and 6,505 votes respectively, in their losing bids for a council seat.
