Tom Palmentieri 5,081
Steve Caldwell 4,507 

By CHRISTIAN MANAHAN
Staff Writer

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP – A familiar face will be back on the local governing body this January.

After a one-year hiatus, preliminary results indicate that Democrat Tom Palmentieri will make his return to Township Committee after defeating Republican Steve Caldwell, 5,081 to 4,507. The tally does not factor in provisional ballots.

The committeeman elect and former mayor served on the governing body for nine consecutive years before being ousted in last year’s general election.

In 2007, then Democrats James Link, Palmentieri and William Beyers were swept out of office by Republicans Joe Nickels, Amy Gatto, and Roger Silva.  

This year, however, proved to be different. Palmentieri ended up winning seven of the 12 voting districts and credits the bi-partisan approach the public had with selecting the candidates running for office.

“It feels great to have the support of the people again,” Palmentieri said. “I would just like to say thank you to the voters of Hamilton for making the choices that they did in the thoughtful manner that best suit their expectations.”

Palmentieri said he views it as a bi-partisan victory.

“I will do my best to represent everyone to the best of my ability.”

While he isn’t due to taking office until January, Palmentieri is already thinking about issues that will be much debated over in the coming year including how the township will deal with the state caps on municipal spending.  

“I want to pick up where we left off last year and work with the existing committee in tackling this tough year,” he said. “I would like to start with the budget early and have public sessions.”

In January, Palmentieri will take over the seat that is currently occupied by Nickels.

The Philadelphia native and long-time township resident cited family and health reasons for not opting to run in this year’s general election.

With the Palmentieri win, Republicans will hold a 4 to 1 majority on the five-member governing body.