Antonucci, Sachs leave a changed committee BY JAMIE ROMM Staff Writer HAZLET - In 2004, when Republicans BridgetAntonucci andMichael Sachs won their seats on the Township Committee, the Republican Party gained full control. With Sachs winning his re-election bid and Antonucci joining the committee for the first time, it looked at the time like it would be a Republican majority for years to come. Both did not seek re-election in November and as their terms in office come to an end, Sachs and Antonucci leave a committee that will have four Democratic members and only one Republican. In their 2004 election campaign, their opponents were current Mayor James Di- Nardo and Deputy Mayor Kevin Lavan. "I know we've had our share of arguments in the past," Lavan said to Sachs looking down the dais. "But through it all, I've always appreciated all the work that you have done over the years." Sachs first served on the township committee from 1997-2000 but lost in a reelection bid. The next year, he ran again and won and has been on the committee ever since. Sachs served as mayor in 2000, 2005, and 2006 and as deputy mayor in 1997 and 2004. "I've been on the committee for a long time," Sachs said. "It will be different not sitting up here but a welcome change." Antonucci was unable to attend the meeting on Dec. 18 that would have been the final public meeting for the two but Sachs said that she enjoyed her time serving Hazlet. "I speak for both of us when I say we both worked hard for the people of Hazlet," Sachs said. "We hope we did a good job." In December 2005, Antonucci was named as one of only about a dozen recipients of the Christie Todd Whitman Excellence in Service Award for her service in Hazlet. Republicans lost control of the committee in the 2006 election when Committeeman Joseph Belasco and Lavan were elected, giving the Democrats a 3-2 majority. DiNardo had been elected the previous year. Though at first there was a noticeable split along party lines on the committee, of late, the two sides say they have grown to appreciate one another. "I just want to thank Committeeman Sachs and Committeewoman Antonucci for all of their service to the township of Hazlet," DiNardo said. "It was a pleasure working with you." Replacing Sachs and Antonucci will be Democrat Joseph Marques and Republican Scott Aagre. Marques previously served on the zoning board and is a co-organizer of Residents Against Giant Electric. 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 Planning and the Rent Control boards. To mark his last committee meeting, Sachs read and offered every ordinance, resolution and approval of minutes. Belasco who sits next to Sachs on the dais said that he would miss Sachs' presence on the committee. "You were always the one who reminded me when it was time to vote or second something," Belasco quipped. "Now I have to find someone else."