By DON STINE
The Neptune Township Committee will remain all Democratic after a two-member Independent ticket failed to end the one-party rule.
For the first time in decades, no candidate was listed on the Republican column in Tuesday’s general election for two Township Committee seats. Instead, Independent Dianna Harris and GOP candidate Kevin Sheehan ran on an independent ticket for the three-year terms.
But the Democrats held on with incumbent Committeeman Michael Brantley being top vote-getter with 2,321 votes, or about 30 percent. Second was Democratic newcomer Nicholas Williams, who got 2,142 votes, or almost 28 percent.
Harris was top vote-getter on the Independent ticket with 1,710 votes, or more than 22 percent, with Sheehan garnering 1,539 votes, or about 19.9 percent.
The five-member Township Committee is currently all Democratic and has been so since Republican Thomas A. Catley left in 2008.
Brantley and Williams said they are proud of the fact that the Democratically-controlled Township Committee has held the line on expenditures to below 2009 levels and they promise to maintain the high level of due diligence required to keep a rein on municipal spending while maintaining services.
The two candidates said they will fight to protect the environment, improve infrastructure and public safety, make government more efficient, and expand recreational opportunities for youth and senior services.
Both said they remain committed to the revitalization of West Lake Avenue and widening Route 66.
