It may take awhile for the smoke to clear — for real, and figuratively. As of bedtime on Tuesday, it appeared that challenger Chris Russo had defeated Council President Sandi Mayer in Morristown’s Fourth Ward Democratic primary.
In Morristown’s other contested council race, Steve Pylypchuk held a slim lead over Robert “RJ” Bell in their Third Ward Democratic primary.
On a night when an acrid haze of smoke from Canadian wildfires blanketed the region, unofficial results showed Russo up by 30 votes (217-187) over Mayer, who was aiming for her second term.
Pylypchuk held a 13-vote (127-114) edge over Bell.
Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi said the totals do not include vote-by-mail ballots postmarked by Tuesday’s 8 pm deadline — election officials have seven days to count them — or provisional ballots, which only are tabulated if the total potentially could tip an outcome.
Results must be certified by June 19, 2023, according to Grossi.
“I’m feeling good,” said Russo, 43, a planning board member making his second bid for council. In 2015, he ran in the First Ward. The district lines were redrawn last year.
“No matter what happens, I put in the work, I knocked on doors, I met a lot of people…it was a fantastic experience. I’m proud to live in this amazing town,” said Russo, a pharmaceutical salesman and co-owner of a road racing company.
“He won fair and square. He walked around and introduced himself to everyone,” said Mayer, 61, adding she has loved representing her ward.
Mayer had questioned Russo’s motives and fitness for office, rapping him for a 2009 UFO hoax that made headlines. She campaigned for creation of an all-volunteer advisory park commission.
Russo said he respects anyone who runs for office. “I ran a positive campaign,” he asserted. His platform includes a pledge to be available to constituents 24-7; he also vowed to self-fund his campaigns.
Another of his themes was government transparency. Mayer said her successor may be in for a surprise. Dealing with four-term Mayor Tim Dougherty’s administration has proven frustrating at times, she said.
Waiting in the wings is former Long Hill Mayor Bruce Meringolo, the lone Republican to file for a Morristown primary. He garnered 115 votes Tuesday, and in November will strive to reclaim the Fourth Ward seat Alison Deeb held for the GOP for three terms before Mayer dislodged her in 2019.
‘I THINK I HAVE IT’
Pylypchuk, 36, said he was “cautiously optimistic” his lead would hold in the Third Ward.
“I think I have it, but I’m not going to celebrate until it’s official,” said the zoning board chairman and civil engineer, making his second council try.
In 2019, Pylypchuk waged an unsuccessful primary challenge against incumbent Stefan Armington. The councilman has decided three terms is enough, and he will step down in December.
“It’s close. Clearly, we both did a pretty good job,” Bell, 30, said of Tuesday’s election.
The Shade Tree Commission vice chairman campaigned on environmental themes, and cited an endorsement from Dougherty.
Bell said he enjoyed branching into different neighborhoods–despite being an introvert for whom knocking on doors does not come naturally.
“It was a good learning experience. I learned a lot,” said Bell, who markets oncology drugs for Merck & Co.
Pylypchuk, who campaigned to improve communications between town hall and the public, said he anticipates no hard feelings from the council primary.
“Regardless of the outcome, I can see myself working with Mr. Bell in the future, whether he’s the representative or I am.”
Democrat Tina Lindsey, the residents’ representative on the Morristown Housing Authority, ran unopposed in the Second Ward, for the seat being vacated by Councilwoman Tawanna Cotten, who is stepping down after one term to spend more time with her family.
Independent Robert Iannaccone is running unopposed for a third term in the First Ward.
This story has been updated with comments from Sandi Mayer and the certification date for results.
congratulations Chris Russo. he’s a class act and he’s definitely gonna be good for the town. Chris is a team player. Sad to see Stephan go but I understand the burnout and the need to get a breather… job well done Mr Armington. Good luck to Ms Lindsey, I’m sure her even temperament will prove useful when she has to deal with the issues that can plague the most populous ward in the town 2nd ward)