Neptune City Dems Prevail In Recount

Victorious Neptune City Council candidates
Glen Kocsis , Pamela Renee, and
John Pietrunti . photo via facebook

Neptune City Democrats sustained their election victory in a recount requested by the borough’s Republican candidates which was conducted on Monday at the Monmouth County Board of Elections in Freehold.

Incumbent Council members Glen Kocis and Pamela Renee were reelected to full three year terms on the governing body. John Pietrunti was elected to complete the final year of the term Andrew Wardell’s term. Wardell resigned from the Council upon being sworn in a Mayor in January.

Seven ballots were voided in the recount, causing 5 of the 6 candidates to lose votes. Kocis gained one vote.

The final counts for the full terms are Democrats Renee, 1347, and Kocis 1320. Republican candidate Robert Burr got 1301 votes and Michaela O’Brien got 1258.

For the unexpired term, Pietrunti got 1312 votes against Republican Brian Sullivan’s 1301. Sullivan was appointed to fill Wardell’s seat in January and served until Pietruniti’s election was certified.

Democrats now control the council, 4-2. Prior to this election, the council was split, 3 Democrats and 3 Republicans with Republican Mayor Wardell tilting control to the GOP.

The recount of the Neptune City and the Eatontown elections were originally scheduled for last week. A COVID-19 outbreak at the Board of Elections during the Howell recount caused the delay. Eatontown is now scheduled to be recounted next week.