Republican Bergenfield, Dumont Mayors Hold Off Challenges

Republican Mayors in Bergenfield and Dumont held off challenges from Democratic council members on Tuesday. The Democrats, however, dominated council elections in their towns and New Milford.

Bergenfield Mayor Norman Schmelz
Photo Credit: *Twitter photo*

Thomas Lodato, Ora Kornbluth and Hernando Rivera.
Photo Credit: *Courtesy Bergenfield Democrats*

Hedy Grant and Thea Sirocchi - Hurley.
Photo Credit: *New Milford Victory Facebook*

Melissa Heule

11/04/2015 2:30 a.m.

In Bergenfield, Republican Mayor Norman Schmelz won by a narrow margin over Democratic Councilwoman Ora Kornbluth, 1,897 to 1,879, according to unofficial results from the Bergen County Board of Elections.

In Dumont, Republican Mayor James Kelly took a tight race of his own when he topped Democratic Council President Carl Manna, 1,580 to 1,548.

Dumont Democrats Louis DiPaolo (1,619 votes) and incumbent Rafael Riquelme (1,598) took council seats, topping Republican challengers Christopher Snell and Ralph Williams, who received 1,457 and 1,437 votes, respectively.

Bergenfield Democrats Thomas A. Lodato (2,122 votes), and Hernando Rivera (2,002) took council seats, outpolling Republicans Cnthia L. Naylis (1,641) and Ricardo Sanchez (1,555).

In New Milford, Democrats won two available council seats.

Former Councilwoman Hedy Grant was the top vote-getter with 1,214, followed by Thea Sirocchi-Hurley, with 1,205.

Republicans Matthew Seymour (1,191 votes) and Mel Urena (1,180) finished out of the running.

Running uncontested for three available seats in the New Milford Board of Education elections were Christine Giancola (1,042 votes), Laura O'Grady (960) and Joseph W. Steele (938).

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