Koontz, Martindell Win June Primary

Candace Braun

In the first Democratic Primary in many years where four candidates vied for the two open seats on Borough Council, incumbents Andrew Koontz and Roger Martindell were almost tied in votes, winning the election. Mr. Koontz had 392 votes, and Mr. Martindell had 385 votes.

The other two Democratic candidates, Anne Neumann and former Councilman Mark Freda, lost the race by 129 and 316 votes respectively.

The one Republican candidate, Princeton University student Evan Baehr, received 78 votes from the Republican Party.

New to Council in January, Mr. Koontz said he was thrilled with the number of Borough votes he received: "It feels great. I'm very happy."

Mr. Koontz said he felt he had a clear and specific message in his campaign, which was to find the most efficient way to cut expenses in the Borough so that taxes don't continue to rise. Fourteen-year Councilman Martindell said he appreciated the efforts of both Mr. Freda and Ms. Neumann in their campaigns, and said he doesn't presume that Borough government has seen the last of either of them.

"They both have a lot to contribute and I look forward to continuing to work with them," said Mr. Martindell.