COLTS NECK – Three Republicans were winners on Election Day, Nov. 7, in Colts Neck. Two incumbents will begin new terms in January and one newcomer will join the Township Committee at that time.
In the race for two three-year terms, newcomer Michael Viola and incumbent Thomas Orgo were elected with 2,334 and 2,285 votes, respectively, turning back a challenge from Democrat Jessica Soden, who received 964 votes.
In the race for a one-year term, incumbent Frank Rizzuto received 2,202 votes to turn back the challenge of Democrat Alison DeNoia, who received 966 votes.
Following her run for office, DeNoia said, “Congratulations to all the winners on Election Day. It was exciting watching the results coming in throughout the night. This election process was educational to me and I enjoyed meeting so many wonderful people in town.
“I was hoping for a more victorious evening, however, I am not giving up. I will continue to work with my neighbors on issues that are important in our township and hope to be on more committees in the coming year.
“The position on the Township Committee is not a partisan job. It is about managing a budget and getting things done to make Colts Neck the place we love to be. I look forward to more opportunities in the future,” DeNoia said.
In other election news, voters rejected a municipal ballot question that sought to double Colts Neck’s open space tax rate in order to generate additional funds for the purchase and preservation of open space in the township.
According to results posted online by the Monmouth County Clerk’s Office, 1,440 residents voted no and 1,108 residents voted yes on the question. The result is unofficial until the county certifies it.
The non-binding question asked residents if municipal officials should raise the open space tax rate from 1.2 cents to 2.5 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. The owner of a home assessed at $800,000 would have seen the tax he pays into Colts Neck’s open space fund increase from $96 a year to $200 a year.
This marked the second consecutive year officials proposed the question and the second time residents said no to an increase in the open space tax rate.
Mayor Russell Macnow said he was disappointed in the result, but understands and respects the public’s decision.
“Colts Neck prides itself on being able to preserve open space,” Macnow said. “The additional revenue generated by the increased open space tax would have enabled us to acquire additional properties.
“However, I also understand that taxpayers are tired of repeatedly being asked to reach into their pockets to contribute more of their hard-earned money for governmental purposes.
“I respect the decision of the taxpayers of Colts Neck. The Township Committee will continue to do the best it can to preserve open space with its current resources,” he said.
