Dems gain a seat on Hazlet Committee
Marques wins seat; Aagre will rejoin governing body

Scott Aagre

HAZLET TOWNSHIP - A newcomer and a returning committeeman will be joining the Hazlet Township Committee in January, after an election that saw a 100-vote differential between the firstand fourth-place candidates.

Democratic candidate Joseph Marques and Republican Scott Aagre were elected to fill the seats held by Republicans Bridget Antonucci and Michael Sachs, who did not seek re-election.

Marques received the most votes with an unofficial tally of 2,017, or 25.79 percent of the total 7,820 votes cast.

Aagre, who previously served on the Township Committee from 2004-2006, received the second highest number of votes with an unofficial tally of 1,964, or 25.12 percent of the votes cast.

Republican David Tinker finished with the third highest amount of votes, 1,920, and Democrat Gerard Jaume drew 1,912 votes.

With Republicans losing a seat, the election shifts the balance on the fivemember Township Committee to four Democrats and one Republican.

Marques will join fellow Democrats Mayor James DiNardo, Deputy Mayor Kevin Lavan and Committeeman Joseph Belasco on the committee.

He previously served on the Hazlet zoning board and is a co-organizer of Residents Against Giant Electric. Marques currently works as a sales consultant for the Verizon Corp.

Newcomer Marques said last week he is looking forward to working with the committee and to using his expertise in project management to benefit Hazlet.

"I am really looking forward to working with this committee," Marques said. "I want to help continue their current efforts," naming improving parks and holding down taxes, as well as maximizing use of open space parcels among these.

"Revitalizing Route 36 is something that I want to help to do," Marques said. "I also want to help to get more grants for the township."

Aagre assumed the position of deputy mayor in 2006, but did not seek re-election in 2006 and worked as chairman of the Republican Party in Hazlet until deciding to run again in 2007.

He also served on the Hazlet Planning Board and the Hazlet Rent Control Board.

Last week, Aagre said he is looking forward to once again serving on the committee.

"I appreciate the township's support of me and I am glad to be back on the committee," Aagre said. "I look forward to working alongside the people on the committee."

He said he wants to work with the current projects that the town is working and looking into the status of open space in the township.

Aagre feels that his previous experience on the committee and on the zoning and rent control boards will allow him to function effectively.

"My previous experience should be a big help for the township," Aagre said. "I'm going in knowing what I have to do to be on the committee."

Aagre said that the close race shows the importance of each vote.

Both men said that they have the same goal: to work for the good of Hazlet.

The two will take office in January.

- Jamie Romm