HAZLET – Republicans Tara Corcoran-Clark and James McKay have won new three-year terms on the Township Committee in Hazlet. The terms will run from January 2022 through December 2024.
The 2021 general election was conducted with vote by mail ballots; with early in-person voting on nine days in late October; and with in-person voting on Nov. 2.
According to election results posted online by the Monmouth County Clerk’s Office, Corcoran-Clark received 4,661 votes and McKay received 4,605 votes to win the two available seats on the governing body.
The Republicans turned back a challenge from Democrats Carrie Virgilio, who received 2,668 votes, and David Personette, who received 2,582 votes.
The election results are unofficial until they have been certified by the county.
With the victories by Corcoran-Clark and McKay, Republicans will continue to hold all five seats on the Township Committee. Corcoran-Clark is serving as Hazlet’s mayor in 2021.
“I am honored to have been re-elected to serve on the Township Committee,” Corcoran-Clark said on social media. “Thank you to everyone who supported my running mate, Skip McKay, and me! I am excited to be able to help the people of Hazlet for the next three years.”
Virgilio and Personette also thanked their supporters through posts on social media.
“The experience of getting to run for office in the town I love and meeting so many amazing people is a win in itself,” Personette said.
“The fact that I got to do this with my son by my side, with him learning invaluable lessons about dedication and civic responsibility, makes it even more worthwhile.
“I would like to thank my running mate and all of the people who volunteered their time and energy to help my team win. Your efforts are truly appreciated.
“To Mayor Tara Corcoran-Clark and Skip McKay, congratulations. I am confident you will continue to do your best to create a bright future for the residents of Hazlet.
“And lastly, thank you to all who voted for me and believed in my message. In life, L’s don’t mean losses, they mean learning opportunities,” Personette said.
Virgilio said, “Thank you again to all my friends and family who have supported me through my recent political journey. I did not win the election, but I did gain some valuable knowledge and I’m grateful for this experience and the lessons learned along the way. If I do decide to run again, I know I will be better equipped based on this experience.”
