By WILLIAM CLARK
Neptune Township Committeemen Kevin McMillan and Derel Stroud were the top vote getters in the Democratic Primary this week.
They beat challengers Jason Jones and Bryan Acciani.
The unofficial votes are McMillan 1,373, Stroud 1,124, Jones, 1,049 and Acciani, 866.
McMillan and Stroud, both appointed to the committee as replacements for vacancies over the last year, will run for full terms. They will face Republicans Rachael Stolte and Jessica Ford.
McMillan, the top vote getter, ran with newcomer Acciani in the primary. Stroud campaigned with Jason Jones.
“I’m excited,” McMillan said. “The voters of Neptune Township have confidence in me. I’m going to work hard for them.”
McMillan thanked his running mate Acciani and said that he expects him to continue his service to the community and possibly come back to run again in the future.
“Failure isn’t fatal and success is not final,” he said.
Stroud expressed his thanks to the voters.
“I’m so grateful to the residents of Neptune for trusting in me to be their voice. I look forward to continuing to work hard for you,” Stroud said.
McMillan, a former mayor of Neptune, was appointed to the committee after the Committee removed the late Dr. Michael Brantley due to health issues. Stroud was chosen to replace former mayor and committeeman Nicholas Williams who resigned.
Jones was one of the three finalists chosen by Neptune Township Democrats to fill each of those vacancies but was passed over for McMillan and Stroud.
The general election will take place Tues., Nov. 5. The winners will be sworn in Jan. 1, 2025.