CRESSKILL, N.J.—Councilwoman Simone Tsigounis is down by three votes to Democrat nominee Leslie Kaplan and may lose her seat on the borough council—pending the outcome of about 47 still-to-be-counted provisional ballots.
Kaplan, the president of the Cresskill Public Library Board of Trustees, leads Republican incumbent Tsigounis with 612 votes to 609, respectively, according to unofficial tallies.
Incumbent Councilman Mark Spina was the clear Election Day winner with 717 votes.
Kaplan said he believes officials will count the 47 remaining provisional ballots on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 5:30 p.m.
“I’d prefer to wait until after the process is complete before making a statement,” Kaplan said.
Borough voters also reelected Mayor Benedict Romeo—who was unopposed—with 731 votes.
Spina and Tsigounis campaigned together in their reelection effort.
“Simone and I grew up in Cresskill, graduated from CHS and now give back to the community through our service on the council,” Spina had told Northern Valley Press prior to the election.
Spina and Tsigounis said they have been thoughtful council representatives.
“In Cresskill, our governing body is unique. We are a team. We listen to each other’s perspective and remain objective; empowering us to collectively resolve Cresskill’s issues,” Tsigounis said prior to the election.
On Tuesday, Nov. 12, Tsigounis was not immediately available to comment on this article. She is an MIT educated architect and attorney.
Kaplan, a retired attorney who earned his law degree from St. John’s University, said prior to the election that he can devote a full time effort to the council.
“I have been walking the streets of Cresskill, talking to people about what is important in their lives. I believe that I can offer up a new perspective and fresh ideas,” he had said.
The Borough is celebrating its 125th anniversary of incorporating in 2019.
