WEST MILFORD — Voters have re-elected Mayor Bettina Bieri to a third term.
Unofficial results show that Bieri, a Democrat, defeated her Republican opponent, Councilman Lou Signorino Tuesday. Bieri garnered 2,912 votes to Signorino's 2,320.
“I am grateful for the support the community has shown me and continues to show me,” said Bieri on Election night. “This support truly energizes me and gives me the strength to face the many challenges of holding the office of the mayor for another four years."
Republican Councilman Mike Hensley will retain his seat on the council. His running mate, Tim Wagner, will join him, winning his place on the council in his first election.
The two faced off with Democrats CarlLa Horton, a former councilwoman, and Melissa Brown Blaeuer. Horton and Brown Blaeuer ran and lost last year.
There was a campaign late in the election process for two write-in candidates for council, Councilwoman Vivienne Erk and Robert Nicholson. It did not have an impact on the result. Erk received 78 votes and Nicholson got 30.
Turnout was lowVoter turnout was very low, even for an off-year election. Four years ago, the mayoral candidates together garnered 6,000 votes, This year, that number was about 800 less.
First time candidate winsWagner, a first-time candidate and founding member of the Highlands Economic Development and Tourism Corp. (HEAT), was the top vote-getter of the day. He said he was humbled and thanked all who supported him.
“I am humbled by this victory,” said Wagner, who manages the Greenwood Lake Airport. “I would like to thank everyone who supported the campaign, especially my wife Daina, children Tyler and Ashley, and mother Carolyn. To all of the volunteers who gave their time to help with whatever task needed to be done, I sincerely thank you for your efforts and contributions to our cause. We had overwhelming support from local residents and business owners and I am very appreciative of all the work that was done to help us win this election.”
In his statement, Wagner congratulated Bieri on her win and his running mate Hensley, and commended his mayoral running mate Signorino for his effort in the campaign. He also gave his best wishes to his opponents, Horton and Brown Blaeuer.
He will join Hensley and Signorino on the council in January.
“(I) look forward to working with (Lou), Mike and the other members of the council starting in January.”
Re-electedHensley, who is finishing his first term on the council, said he is humbled by the support.
“I am humbled by the outpouring of support and confidence that the people of West Milford have in me to address their concerns for our township as one of their council representatives,” said Hensley.
Bieri, a longtime resident of Pinecliff Lake, said she will continue to do what she's been doing.
“I promise I will continue to do my best to represent my constituents in a fair, honest and ethical manner,” Bieri said. “I will continue to refrain from any negativity, and to use thoughtfulness, sound reasoning and my conscience to guide me. I will also continue to work cooperatively with our elected officials at every level for the betterment of our wonderful township. Once again thank you to all the residents for your support and encouragement.”
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