SOUTH RIVER–With the stickers passed out and votes counted, residents of South River elected Republican candidates Raymond Eppinger and Peter Guindi to the Borough Council, replacing two incumbent Democrats.
Eppinger and Guindi recorded 2,068 and 2,077 votes, respectively, for the two, three-year terms on the council. Incumbent Democrats Shawn Haussermann and Ryan Jones collected 1,872 and 1,874 votes, respectively, according to the Middlesex County election results.
The results are not official until certified by the county.
“In a very blue state, it was rewarding to win both seats. Guindi and I worked hard trying to get out and meet as many residents as we could and learn what concerned them. We were very fortunate to have a very diverse group of people who helped us with the campaign,” Eppinger said. “A number of new ideas were brought forth and they seemed to work. I was surprised by the relatively large turnout. The campaign was an enjoyable experience [and] getting a chance to spend time and reconnect with Guindi was an extra added bonus.”
Eppinger is a former mayor. Guindi is a member of the South River Volunteer Fire Department.
“I am hoping that we can work together, regardless of party affiliation. One of our residents reminded me that we should not be just democrats and republicans but mostly South River [residents]. My priority will be infrastructure. South River is an older community and we need to address those types of issues first,” Eppinger said.
