This story has been updated on June 8, 2017.
BY LINDA SMITH HANCHARICK
WEST MILFORD — Steve Castronova and Tricia Gerst have won the Republican primary for West Milford Council.
The two political newcomers defeated former councilwomen Michele Dale and Vivienne Erk, each of whom served one term on the council.
“I am honored and humbled to have earned the support of West Milford’s Republican voters,” said Castronova in a statement the day after the election. “I look forward to representing the Republican Party on the ballot in November, advocating for our local business owners and all residents young and old.”
His running mate thanked their supporters.
“I am very excited to represent my fellow West Milford families and residents as a Republican candidate for council on the November ballot,” said Gerst. “I thank everyone who supported Steve and me in this primary election and look forward to earning our place on the council to provide business leadership in our local government.”
Crowded field in NovemberThere were no Democratic candidates for council in the primary. However, looking to November, there will be a crowded field of candidates for the two seats. Four independents have filed to run and two Libertarians.
Councilwomen Ada Erik and Marilyn Lichtenberg, Republicans who did not get the endorsement of the Municipal County Committee earlier this year, are running as Independents. “We said from the start we will be running as Independents in November,” said Erik.
Former Councilman Bob Nolan and Chris Garcia have also filed their petitions with the county. Nolan served on the council from 2005 through 2010; Garcia ran unsuccessfully for council and was previously an officer in the local Democratic party.
“It got to the point, from watching the meetings on TV, I just couldn’t stand it anymore,” said Nolan. “I didn’t like what I was seeing.”
Nolan said he believes some on the council are more concerned with what’s going on down county instead of focusing on West Milford.
“I’m not looking for West Milford to be that way. Let’s worry about West Milford, not be concerned with who is donating to the political campaign.”
“I’m not trying to cast dispersions on Gerst or Castronova,” he continued. “My background is financial. I think I can make those decisions.”
Also figuring into his decision to run again was choice. Democrats and Independents didn’t have a voice in the primary, he noted.
Libertarians Michael Chazukow and Jon Salzman have also filed petitions. Chazukow ran last year for the council as well.
Assembly raceIn the 26th Assembly District, BettyLou DeCroce and Jay Webber held off a challenge from Hank Lyon and John Cesaro for the Republican nominations.
On the Democratic side, William Edge and Joseph Raich got their party’s nomination over Laura Fortgang.