BLOOMFIELD, NJ — Bloomfield Democrats swept into municipal office on Election Day along with two of three Board of Education candidates endorsed by Mayor Michael Venezia.
In the municipal elections, the uncertified results from the Office of the Essex County Clerk had the 1st Ward being taken by incumbent Jenny Mundell with 2,013 votes followed by GOP candidate David Tucker with 559 votes. Nick Joanow will continue in the 2nd Ward having received 2,613 votes to 733 votes for GOP challenger Ciro Spina. Challenger Sarah Cruz will represent the 3rd Ward. She won out over GOP challenger Pedro Taveras, 2,001 votes to 336. The previous 3rd Ward councilman did seek re-election.
In the Board of Education races, according to uncertified results, for the second year in a row the candidates in the first three positions were elected.
Challenger Jessica Salinas received 3,727 votes; challenger Thomas Heaney, 3,316 votes; and incumbent Ellen Rogers, 3,021 votes.
In an email response, Mundell said she was grateful for the support of 1st Ward residents.
“Thank you for believing in me and for voting to keep Bloomfield moving forward,” she said. “I am excited for the opportunity to serve on Bloomfield’s Council for a full term, during which I will continue to work with my council colleagues to build community resources like the library and to work with residents on quality-of-life issues to make Bloomfield a more pedestrian-friendly town.”
In a telephone interview following her victory, Rogers, who ran on a slate with BOE President Emily Smith, said she felt good about winning although it was bittersweet.
“Emily gave 9 ½ years on the board and was a good president.”
Rogers, who is the BOE vice-president, said she will continue with their campaign motto: “Continue the Progress.”
“There is always more to do,” she said. “There is overcrowding and we want to work toward a full day of pre-kindergarten.”
All winning candidates were left messages requesting statements.
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