Budgets Pass in All Fire District Elections

Budgets for all four fire districts were approved in Saturday's fire district elections in Bridgewater.

In district one, the budget passed with 45 votes in favor, and 14 votes against. Residents also voted in favor of the purchase of a new generator, 51 to 7, and in favor of a new fire apparatus, 45 to 12.

As for the commissioners, Anthony Patullo was voted in for a two-year unexpired term, and Anthony Natalizio was elected for a three-year term.

Both ran unopposed.

In district two, there were 122 total votes cast, and the proposed budget passed with 77 votes in favor, 39 votes against and 6 abstentions.

As for the commission, with two seats open, incumbents Joe Langon and Gloria Langon earned new terms, with 93 votes and 73 votes, respectively. Challenger Rob Hanlon earned 56 votes, and there were 3 write-in votes.

In district three, the flat budget passed with 91 votes in favor and 27 against. Voters also approved the increase in the LOSAP payment, by a vote of 100 to 18.

As for commissioners, Ed Smith earned 107 votes, and George Jones earned 98 votes. Both will serve as commissioners for three-year terms, and both ran unopposed.

Jones said voting turnout was OK this year.

"The voting turnout was average, with a slightly higher mail-in percentage," he said.

But, Jones said, there may have been some confusion for residents who were told in another newspaper that voting would be open at Green Knoll Firehouse, Country Hills Firehouse and North Branch Firehouse.

Voting for district three was actually held at the municipal building.

"A notice directing voters was posted at each of the locations directing them to the municipal building," he said.

As for district four, the budget passed by a vote of 81 to 7.

Anthony Ranallo and Paul Orloff were elected to the commission with 84 and 70 votes, respectively.

Challenger Trent Delameter received 14 votes.