By John Burton
RED BANK – Republicans are so close to taking the majority of the Borough Council for the first time in a quarter of a century that they can probably taste it. But Democrats are conceding nothing on Election night.
The unofficial tally shows Republican newbie Mark Taylor as the top vote-getter in a particularly low voter turnout election, securing his seat in January. But on Wednesday morning a 4-vote difference currently separate incumbent Democrat Michael DuPont and Taylor’s running mate, 24-year-old Michael Whelan, also making his first run for elected office. Democrat Michael Ballard, an 11th hour candidate selected to replace incumbent Arthur V. Murphy when Murphy abruptly resigned in August, trailed fourth among the four candidates.
What’s at stake is control of the six-member borough council, with this narrow margin putting Republicans within striking distance of its first majority in 26 years.
In the last two years GOP candidates have made inroads, taking two council seats, with a current 4-2 mix with Democratic control.
Republicans, gathered at the Chowda House restaurant, cautiously claimed victory.
But as tallies were being totaled Tuesday night, Democratic Mayor Pasquale Menna proclaimed “We’re not done yet,” and promised a recount given the closeness of the race.
The unofficial results, mail-in ballots processed, provisional ballots pending, as of Wednesday morning. (The vote tally changed since Tuesday at midnight):
- Republican Mark D. Taylor – 1,029 votes
- Republican Michael P. Whelan – 963 votes
- Democrat Michael R. Dupont – 959 votes
- Democrat Michael K. Ballard – 925 votes
