By CHRISTIAN MANAHAN
Staff Writer

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP – It’s a clean sweep.
Republicans Roger Silva, Joe Nickels and Amy Gatto unseated incumbent Democrats Tom Palmentieri, James Link and William Beyers in Tuesday’s race to decide three seats on Hamilton Township Committee.
The Republicans won eight out of the 12 voting districts.
Gatto, who entered the election as a first-time candidate, was the leading vote-getter for candidates seeking a three-year term.
This is the first time in 11 years that a woman will have a seat on committee. In 1996, Lorraine Granese served as Republican mayor. It also means the Republicans have moved from a 1-4 minority to 4-1 majority on the governing body.
“I’m happy to be that fresh face,” Gatto, 25, said. “I really didn’t think about [being the leading vote getter.] It actually caught my attention after the fact.”
Gatto credits teamwork for her ticket’s victory.
“Teamwork can prevail, and that is what it takes to win,” she added.
Unlike Gatto and Silva, Nickels will not have to wait until January to take office; he will immediately take office after defeating Beyers for the final year of an unexpired term.
The seat was vacated by Deputy Mayor John Sacchenelli early this year.
“People want open and honest government,” Nickels said. “That is what we believe in.”
The following are preliminary, unofficial results from the election:

Township Committee  Totals
Amy Gatto    2,725
Roger Silva    2,660
Thomas Palmentieri  2,207
James Link    2,047

Joseph Nickels*