Politics & Government

Neylan Unopposed As Democrats File for Three Wards

Major party Council candidates set as filing deadline passes.

Second Ward Councilwoman Joann Neylan is unopposed in her bid for a third term as Westfield Democrats filed candidates in three out of four wards.

Monday’s filing deadline for the June primary ended with town Republicans fielding an all-incumbent slate for four seats on the Town Council and Democrats running two newcomers and one returning candidate. The respective parties endorsed the candidates in the past few weeks.

In the first ward, Republican Councilman Frank Arena will face off against environmental consultant Tim Van Epp in his bid for a second term. Arena, an information technology salesman, was first elected to the Council in 2007, defeating Democrat Ross Katz. He currently serves as the chairman of the public works committee. Van Epp is an environmental consultant based in Westfield and currently serves as a member of the town’s green team. Van Epp was recommended for the green team appointment – which was made by Mayor Andy Skibitsky – by Councilman Dave Haas, the town’s Democratic chairman.

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The first ward includes downtown and the northwest portion of town, including all of Brightwood and the Gardens.


In the second ward, Democrats have not filed a candidate against Neylan, who was first elected in 2003 and reelected in 2007, both times easily defeating Democratic opponents. This is the second consecutive town election where Democrats have taken a pass on the second ward. In 2009, music teacher and former mayoral candidate Carolyn Klinger-Kueter originally filed to challenge Republican Councilwoman Vicki Kimmins, of the race over the summer. Democrats to replace Klinger-Kueter on the ticket.

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The second ward, which includes all of Wychwood and the Washington School neighborhood, along with part of Cacciola, is considered the town’s most Republican and has not elected a Democrat to Town Council. Neylan, a former Brooklyn prosecutor, is the chairwoman of the public safety committee and the .

Neylan could still face an opponent however, if an independent candidate files to oppose her by June 7 or if a write-in candidate wins the June 7 Democratic primary.

Third ward voters will see a rerun of the 2007 election, with Democrat Matt Sontz challenging Republican Councilman Mark Ciarrocca for the second time. Sontz, an attorney who has been outspoken on traffic safety issues for the past few months, garnered 36-percent of the vote in his 2007 challenge. Ciarrocca was first elected in 2003, unseating Haas, who had held the seat for a year following the resignation of former Councilman Kevin Walsh. An attorney, Ciarroca is the chairman of the finance committee and acting mayor.

The third ward includes most of the southeast part of Westfield, including Manor Park and Stoneleigh Park, all of Central Avenue on the southside, parts of the southside west of Central Avenue and a portion of Cacciola.

In the fourth ward, Democrat Gregory Romer is challenging Republican Councilman Jim Foerst in his bid for a third term. Foerst, an attorney, is the chairman of the code review committee and a member of the planning board. Details on Romer’s background have not been released by the Democratic Party.

The fourth ward includes the Tamaques neighborhood, the neighborhoods surrounding Westfield High School and all residents west of Rahway Avenue.

Republicans currently control the Town Council by an 8-1 majority, including Skibitsky. Haas became the following former Councilman Tom Bigosinski's by Republican Keith Loughlin in the 2009 election.


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