2009 Election results

[richardkelsey]

Looks pretty darn close -- though I am not sure which have been counted. 8:37 PM

Borough Council - Freehold Borough
4/7 57.14%
Under Votes 233
Over Votes 0

Vote Count Percent
REP - Ted E. Miller 573 24.23%
REP - John F. Newman 586 24.78%
DEM - Sharon C. Shutzer 626 26.47%
DEM - Marc D. LeVine 579 24.48%
Write-In 1 0.04%
Total 2,365 100.00%

www.co.monmouth.nj.us/ElectionResults/Election%20Result.htm

[richardkelsey]

well - it really does depend on which districts are in. If the Dem districts are in already -- the republicans will win. If the two districts left -- plus absentees are the dems -- dems will cruise to win

Borough Council - Freehold Borough
5/7 71.43%
Under Votes 272
Over Votes 0

Vote Count Percent
REP - Ted E. Miller 722 24.34%
REP - John F. Newman 750 25.29%
DEM - Sharon C. Shutzer 774 26.10%
DEM - Marc D. LeVine 718 24.21%
Write-In 2 0.07%
Total 2,966 100.00%

[richardkelsey]

This is quite a pickle.


Borough Council - Freehold Borough
7/7 100.00%
Under Votes 376
Over Votes 0

Vote Count Percent

REP - Ted E. Miller 1,062 24.98%
REP - John F. Newman 1,093 25.71%
DEM - Sharon C. Shutzer 1,093 25.71%
DEM - Marc D. LeVine 1,002 23.57%
Write-In 2 0.05%
Total 4,252 100.00%

[admin]

I am in a massive state of shock. The wife is standing by with the AED.

[admin]

Now that the shock has subsided, this is massive news. I bet a lot of people are shocked. It is the first time in years that a new person was elected to Freehold Borough council without first having been appointed.

This is the first GOP elected in many, many years.

I have to say good job to Newman and Miller.

Councilman elect Newman, the people have spoken, make us proud!

Also, congratulations to Councilwoman Shutzer. I have said she is a classy lady and I meant it. She is very passionate about Freehold Borough. Though I am sure the GOP would have liked both of their candidates in, it is good to see Shutzer still with us.

[richardkelsey]

Nov 3, 2009 21:55:24 GMT -5 admin said:

Now that the shock has subsided, this is massive news. I bet a lot of people are shocked. It is the first time in years that a new person was elected to Freehold Borough council without first having been appointed.

This is the first GOP elected in many, many years.

I have to say good job to Newman and Miller.

Councilman elect Newman, the people have spoken, make us proud!

Also, congratulations to Councilwoman Shutzer. I have said she is a classy lady and I meant it. She is very passionate about Freehold Borough. Though I am sure the GOP would have liked both of their candidates in, it is good to see Shutzer still with us.

It appears some form of democracy has broken out in Freehold Borough.

Congratulations to Mr. Newman. He entered the race late -- ran very hard, and presented first-class credentials, fresh ideas, and an opportunity for real change.

Mr. Miller, the GOP chairman ran a great race, and more importantly, he helped to create the organization that was ready, willing, and able to help one of its candidates.

Towns thrive when they have multiple parties. Freehold Township has long been dominated by one party, and to its detriment. Freehold Borough has long been dominated by one party -- if not one person -- to its detriment.

Dissent, as I often preach, is good.

A lone voice, a single watchman, is better than no voice, no visability and no transparency.

Irrespective of party, the residents of Freehold Borough should celebrate. Their Berlin wall has fallen. Democracy, change, and reform are now opportunities -- though not surely garuanteed.

The duty of the elected is to serve the people, not a party or person. Mr. Newman carries a special burden after this election. May he continue to recieve the support he needs to carry out his duties. May he remember to stand accountable to the people, and may he remember that he does not rule -- he serves.

Congratulations Mr. Newman. Ms. Shutzer -- you know I love you. Congratulations to you too. You are a fighter and a survivor. You have cause for being a bit more independent now, and you should seize that opportunity.

Mr. Miller -- this town owes you the biggest thanks of all. Standing under withering criticism, unfair and unsubstantiated attacks, and putting your name, your family, and your life on hold to provide honest dissent and an opportunity for democracy was no small sacrifice. You were not rewarded personally with victory, but the win is no less yours.

Mr. Le Vine. Thank you for your service.

The people, as the some use to say on this Board, have spoken. I always say, we get the Government we deserve. Today, Freehold, the craddle of oour revolution, saw democracy again in bloom.

[Mike Rosseel]

Well first i would like to say thank you to Marc Levine for his years of dedication and work in freehold boro! With that being said, freehold has spoke and weither anyone likes it or not, Council women Shutzer and newly elected councilmen John Newman are in. Congrats to both! I guess most people got what they wanted, no Miller and no LeVine. I dont feel people have been fair to Marc but needless to say thats my opinion and i'm only one vote!

Now that this is over, i hope the focus returns to the bettering of freehold. Good Luck and COngrats to these two canidates! Job well DoNE!

[adefonzo]

Very...very...very interesting. Congratulations to the winners. I almost wish I was there to see it all go down...almost.

[fiberisgoodforyou]

Nov 3, 2009 22:52:23 GMT -5 richardkelsey said:

Mr. Miller, the GOP chairman ran a great race, and more importantly, he helped to create the organization that was ready, willing, and able to help one of its candidates.

Mr. Miller -- this town owes you the biggest thanks of all. Standing under withering criticism, unfair and unsubstantiated attacks, and putting your name, your family, and your life on hold to provide honest dissent and an opportunity for democracy was no small sacrifice. You were not rewarded personally with victory, but the win is no less yours.

Mr. Le Vine. Thank you for your service.

The people, as the some use to say on this Board, have spoken. I always say, we get the Government we deserve. Today, Freehold, the craddle of oour revolution, saw democracy again in bloom.

Rich, thank you for the kind words.

This is a very sweet victory and truly the starting point for a great new future for everyone in Freehold borough.

John is a good man! I asked him to run, because I now he is passionate about our community, and he will serve with class and dignity!


Everyone should read this, and strongly consider this powerful message (My Favorate, Namesake Republican)!

"It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better.

The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat." Theodore Roosevelt

[lisas84]

I want to congratulate Sharon Shutzer, a councilwoman who I admire greatly. She is an inspiration to all women.

And to you too, Rookie Councilman Newman! I know it's a heavy commitment and quite the learning curve, but with your sharp intelllect and warm manner, you'll do fine.

That said, of course I am sad about my great friend Marc, because I'll miss working with him on many committee/commission projects that the CIC helps out with. But Marc is in very good spirits. His strength and adapatability are quite admirable, and he will continue to support the town through his many good works. And that to me is a constant winner.

The great thing about Christie winning is how many New Jerseyans are now happy. When you hear and read such a continuous massive list of complaints about the governor from tons of unhappy people , it creates a miasma -like toxicity. The best thing about his win for me, is how many of my fellow NJ-ans are now filled with a sense of hope and happiness, rather than despair.

[Mike Rosseel]

Lisa84,

I have read alot of post on here and yours is by fair the most accurate i have seen. It was time for a change at Gov. and i am excited to see the changes Gov Christie brings to NJ. It should be a very exciting time in our state.

On the local level, im sure council women Shutzer will continue to do a fine job as always. Im sorry to see the LeVine Era come to a close but the people of freehold spoke and Mr. Newman now has his chance. I hope nothing but the best for both the council people. Mr. Newman has alot of work ahead of him which i think he can and will do. Im sorry to see Marc gone but am glad miller lost for a 3rd time! Freehold is in good shape. Our mayor and council does a wonderful job and will keep doing what they have always done. As a whole, there are some exciting days ahead on all levels.

[fiberisgoodforyou]

Nov 3, 2009 23:24:28 GMT -5 adefonzo said:

Very...very...very interesting. Congratulations to the winners. I almost wish I was there to see it all go down...almost.

Let us NOT forget Andrew DeFonzo!!! Andrew is THE Pinch hitter that allowed us to drive in the winning Run last night!

Andrew helped by considering the Second Opposition Candidate ballot position. Andrews dedication allowed John the opportunity to be placed on our ballot after he left our community for exciting employment opportunity!

Andrew, your passion for a non- partisan Freehold Borough Council is one of THE significant contributions that allows us all celebrate Johns Victory!

You are a to be commended for stepping up, setting the example, and helping define what teamwork will deliver.

Peter Defonzo.., when you read this please know..., WE thank you PETE..., Be very proud of Andrew, because last nights Victory was made possible mainly through Andrew's contribution and YOUR teaching Andrew (by example) how to be a stand up citizen and exhibit great moral character!

Last night proves that Positive Teamwork, Honest Dedication, and Never Giving Up breeds quality results!

[admin]

www.app.com/article/20091104/POLITICS/911040363/1285/LOCAL09/Freehold+council+seat+winner++surprised+

Freehold council seat winner "surprised"
Shock resounds over GOP win

By KIM PREDHAM • FREEHOLD BUREAU • November 4, 2009

FREEHOLD — Shock waves were still radiating throughout Freehold Wednesday, a day after a Republican won a seat on the Borough Council for the first time in nearly a decade.





"I was surprised," said John F. Newman, the Republican challenger who beat out running mate Ted Miller and Democratic incumbent Marc LeVine Tuesday after just two months of campaigning.

Newman came in second in Tuesday's race behind Democratic Councilwoman Sharon Shutzer, according to the county's unofficial tally. The last Republican to serve on the Council was Richard Daesener, who was voted out of office in 2001.

So the question now is, how did Newman manage to break the Democrats' lock on the Council?

Aggressive, grassroots campaigning, says Newman.

"We were on the ground," said Newman.

Newman joined the Republican ticket in September after Andrew DeFonzo dropped out to move overseas. During his brief campaign, Newman said he and Miller walked door to door, ran phone banks and deployed volunteers to rally support.

He and Miller, who came in third in Tuesday's election, also tapped into a sense of dissatisfaction among voters, he believes.

One issue present in residents' minds this year, according to Miller, was immigration and its affect on local operations like code enforcement.

The current governing body has had a chance to address those problems and failed, said Miller, who also serves as the local Republican chairman.

"The voters are looking for people who can say, "Let's just try something different,' " said Miller.

LeVine, who came in fourth Tuesday, agreed that voters may have wanted a change in their local leadership.

But LeVine credited Newman's win more to a statewide discontent, saying residents' dissatisfaction with Gov. Jon S. Corzine had a hand in the local outcome.

Several Democratic incumbents were ousted throughout Monmouth County, which overwhelmingly supported Republican Governor-elect Chris Christie.

"We knew it was going to be a tough election . . . There was a little bit of a backlash," said LeVine.
Kim Predham: 732-308-7752;

[e-mail]

[Mike Rosseel]

"He and Miller, who came in third in Tuesday's election, also tapped into a sense of dissatisfaction among voters, he believes."

Come on, if you tapped into dissatisfaction among voters how come ted came in third. Im not taking anything away from what John Newman has accomplished, alls i am saying is there was no message sent to the mayor and council in this election. If the people in freehold wanted to send a message they would have voted out both incumbents not just one! Why was Sharon the number one vote getter? Where's the message there? John did excellent in this election, so good that he received 1,093 votes, the same total as Sharon, why was miller 30 plus votes behind both. I believe the GOP ran in a year where people really wanted to send a message to our gov, and good for them for there success, but to say a message was sent, i dont buy!

You want to see an example of a message, reference the howell election results! www.app.com has it listed. Theres some facts and links for you rich!

[admin]

newstranscript.gmnews.com/news/2009/1111/front_page/003.html

Newman wins seat for GOP in Freehold
Shutzer re-elected in close Borough Council race
BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer
For the first time since 2001, a Republican will hold a seat on the Freehold Borough governing body. The last Republican to serve on the Borough Council was Richard Daesener, who served from 1999-2001.

In January, Republican John Newman will be sworn in to begin serving the threeyear term he won on Election Day, Nov. 3.

Freehold Borough voters elected one Republican, Newman, and one Democrat, incumbent Councilwoman Sharon Shutzer, to the council in the municipal election. Both terms are for three years.

Shutzer's running mate, Marc Le Vine, and Newman's running mate, Ted Miller, were defeated in their bids to win a seat on the governing body.

Shutzer led all council candidates with 1,166 votes and will begin serving her seventh term in January. Newman received 1,152 votes in his first run for public office.



Miller received 1,126 votes and Le Vine received 1,067 votes from residents who went to the polls.

Freehold Borough voters were solidly in the Republican column in all of the other races on the ballot.

In the race for governor, Republican Chris Christie received 1,349 votes, while incumbent Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine received 898 votes, and independent Chris Daggett received 151 votes.

Christie was successful in his bid to unseat Corzine.

In the race for two three-year terms in the state Assembly representing the 12th District, which includes Freehold Borough, Republicans Declan J. O'Scanlon Jr. and Caroline Casagrande won the support of borough voters and ultimately were reelected to their second terms.

Casagrande received 1,171 votes and O'Scanlon received 1,164 votes in the borough to easily outdistance Democrats Michelle Roth, 886 votes, and John Amberg, 828 votes, and Green Party candidate Steven Welzer, 72 votes.

In the race for one three-year term on the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders, Republican John Curley was elected to his first term on the county governing body. Curley received 1,043 votes in Freehold Borough, Democrat Sean Byrnes received 919 votes and independent candidate Stan Rosenthal received 87 votes.

But the story of the night was the borough Republicans, who regained a voice on the governing body.

Newman, who is an attorney, said he was excited about the outcome of the Borough Council race.

"Not just by my opportunity to serve the people of the borough, but also because of the fact that Ted and I built up the Republican Party in town as well," Newman said.

"Marc Le Vine and Sharon Shutzer ran a pretty tough campaign and these candidates are well liked and well respected in town. It was a close election and the fact that one of us (from the Republican Party) got in is very important to the voters and to the party," he said. Newman saidDemocraticMayorMichael Wilson has already reached out to him and he said he will meet with the borough administrator and the borough attorney to get up to speed on council matters.

Newman said Le Vine has offered his assistance as well.

Newman said one item he will pursue as a councilman is having a resident or residents on the financial committee as the municipal budget is being developed. He said he and Miller stressed that item during the campaign.

Shutzer, who is a teacher, said, "I am honored and humbled by the confidence of the voters. I realize that I won by a very close margin and maybe this is a message that I need to work a little harder."

The councilwoman said she was disappointed that Le Vine did not hold on to his seat and said she will miss him on the council.

Of Newman's election, Shutzer said, "I am always willing to welcome new people and to work with them in the best interest of this town."

Le Vine, who has served for a total of 10 years on the council (non-consecutive), said, "Rather than try to second guess the electorate, I would congratulate John Newman and Sharon Shutzer. I also want to thank the people of Freehold Borough for giving me (the opportunity to serve).

"Some people never get the opportunity to serve on a governing body. In that way, I am blessed and I want to thank everyone."

When asked if he has any future plans to serve the community, he responded, "I am certainly available to serve my town in any capacity I believe will be helpful to continue to make Freehold Borough the best town in Monmouth County, which it already is."

Even though he did not win a seat on the council, Miller said it was "fantastic" that Newman was elected.

"What we have proven is that the current regime which will have you believe this is a Democrat town is (saying something) that is not true. Statistically, the undeclared (voters) are the majority in the borough and the Democrats are not a majority, nor are the Re- publicans. It was the undeclared who declared John Newman our councilman-elect. It is an amazing accomplishment."

Miller said although he was not elected, he still feels as though he did win.

"We are now an active Republican Party and we ran an exciting, clean campaign and if John won, I won, too," he added. "I am very, very happy about this election."

[admin]

Nov 5, 2009 6:11:58 GMT -5 admin said:

www.app.com/article/20091104/POLITICS/911040363/1285/LOCAL09/Freehold+council+seat+winner++surprised+

Freehold council seat winner "surprised"
Shock resounds over GOP win

By KIM PREDHAM • FREEHOLD BUREAU • November 4, 2009

FREEHOLD — Shock waves were still radiating throughout Freehold Wednesday, a day after a Republican won a seat on the Borough Council for the first time in nearly a decade.





"I was surprised," said John F. Newman, the Republican challenger who beat out running mate Ted Miller and Democratic incumbent Marc LeVine Tuesday after just two months of campaigning.

Newman came in second in Tuesday's race behind Democratic Councilwoman Sharon Shutzer, according to the county's unofficial tally. The last Republican to serve on the Council was Richard Daesener, who was voted out of office in 2001.

So the question now is, how did Newman manage to break the Democrats' lock on the Council?

Aggressive, grassroots campaigning, says Newman.

"We were on the ground," said Newman.

Newman joined the Republican ticket in September after Andrew DeFonzo dropped out to move overseas. During his brief campaign, Newman said he and Miller walked door to door, ran phone banks and deployed volunteers to rally support.

He and Miller, who came in third in Tuesday's election, also tapped into a sense of dissatisfaction among voters, he believes.

One issue present in residents' minds this year, according to Miller, was immigration and its affect on local operations like code enforcement.

The current governing body has had a chance to address those problems and failed, said Miller, who also serves as the local Republican chairman.

"The voters are looking for people who can say, "Let's just try something different,' " said Miller.

LeVine, who came in fourth Tuesday, agreed that voters may have wanted a change in their local leadership.

But LeVine credited Newman's win more to a statewide discontent, saying residents' dissatisfaction with Gov. Jon S. Corzine had a hand in the local outcome.

Several Democratic incumbents were ousted throughout Monmouth County, which overwhelmingly supported Republican Governor-elect Chris Christie.

"We knew it was going to be a tough election . . . There was a little bit of a backlash," said LeVine.
Kim Predham: 732-308-7752;

[e-mail]

The above article did not give us much more about the local race that we did not know, but it provides the break down of how borough voters in the other races. The myth that we are a Democrat town has been busted. I am surprised.

[richardkelsey]

Nov 11, 2009 8:05:11 GMT -5 admin said:

Nov 5, 2009 6:11:58 GMT -5 admin said:

www.app.com/article/20091104/POLITICS/911040363/1285/LOCAL09/Freehold+council+seat+winner++surprised+

Freehold council seat winner "surprised"
Shock resounds over GOP win

By KIM PREDHAM • FREEHOLD BUREAU • November 4, 2009

FREEHOLD — Shock waves were still radiating throughout Freehold Wednesday, a day after a Republican won a seat on the Borough Council for the first time in nearly a decade.





"I was surprised," said John F. Newman, the Republican challenger who beat out running mate Ted Miller and Democratic incumbent Marc LeVine Tuesday after just two months of campaigning.

Newman came in second in Tuesday's race behind Democratic Councilwoman Sharon Shutzer, according to the county's unofficial tally. The last Republican to serve on the Council was Richard Daesener, who was voted out of office in 2001.

So the question now is, how did Newman manage to break the Democrats' lock on the Council?

Aggressive, grassroots campaigning, says Newman.

"We were on the ground," said Newman.

Newman joined the Republican ticket in September after Andrew DeFonzo dropped out to move overseas. During his brief campaign, Newman said he and Miller walked door to door, ran phone banks and deployed volunteers to rally support.

He and Miller, who came in third in Tuesday's election, also tapped into a sense of dissatisfaction among voters, he believes.

One issue present in residents' minds this year, according to Miller, was immigration and its affect on local operations like code enforcement.

The current governing body has had a chance to address those problems and failed, said Miller, who also serves as the local Republican chairman.

"The voters are looking for people who can say, "Let's just try something different,' " said Miller.

LeVine, who came in fourth Tuesday, agreed that voters may have wanted a change in their local leadership.

But LeVine credited Newman's win more to a statewide discontent, saying residents' dissatisfaction with Gov. Jon S. Corzine had a hand in the local outcome.

Several Democratic incumbents were ousted throughout Monmouth County, which overwhelmingly supported Republican Governor-elect Chris Christie.

"We knew it was going to be a tough election . . . There was a little bit of a backlash," said LeVine.
Kim Predham: 732-308-7752;

[e-mail]

The above article did not give us much more about the local race that we did not know, but it provides the break down of how borough voters in the other races. The myth that we are a Democrat town has been busted. I am surprised.

Well -- don't get carried away. I think a close examination of voter turnout roles will show a shockingly low dem voter turnout, a very high GOP turnout -- and a huge independent turnout -- with Independents breaking 65-70% to GOP.

In a normal year, with just normal dem turnout -- GOP still would have lost. Switch independents to neutral only, and GOP losses by traditional margins.

You need a non-special landslide, fight-back election and win together with this one to say that Freehold is not a dem town.

What this election proves, however, is that good candidates running hard in smart elections -- with lots of help from the top of the ticket and lots of local discontent, can win in Freehold.

I am sure the local GOP will study these results quite closely

[admin]

Nov 11, 2009 10:36:53 GMT -5 richardkelsey said:

Nov 11, 2009 8:05:11 GMT -5 admin said:

The above article did not give us much more about the local race that we did not know, but it provides the break down of how borough voters in the other races. The myth that we are a Democrat town has been busted. I am surprised.

Well -- don't get carried away. I think a close examination of voter turnout roles will show a shockingly low dem voter turnout, a very high GOP turnout -- and a huge independent turnout -- with Independents breaking 65-70% to GOP.

In a normal year, with just normal dem turnout -- GOP still would have lost. Switch independents to neutral only, and GOP losses by traditional margins.

You need a non-special landslide, fight-back election and win together with this one to say that Freehold is not a dem town.

What this election proves, however, is that good candidates running hard in smart elections -- with lots of help from the top of the ticket and lots of local discontent, can win in Freehold.

I am sure the local GOP will study these results quite closely

You are right in your points and without question, this is a town that still leans Dem. When I say the myth has been busted, it is in reference to my own past comments where I have said that a Republican will never get elected to the town council. I was wrong. One thing is for sure, Newman has a big burden on his shoulders that will require him to give voters reason to consider more people from his party in the future.

Next year I think we have Senator Jennifer Beck running. She won the borough last time she ran, though it was against a weak candidate. She could help GOP momentum again.