DiBenedetto, Schnurr Re-elected in Freehold Borough

Freehold Borough Democrats will hold a 5-1 majority on the Borough Council following Tuesday’s unofficial election results.

Incumbent Councilman Michael DiBenedetto and Council President George Schnurr were elected to another three-year term on the governing body, besting Republicans Don Clayton and Marianne Earle.

"I think the voters looked ultimately at our track record in providing the things that mean the most to them," Schnurr said at the Democrats' election party at .

With all seven districts reporting and the county reporting mail-in ballots, the unofficial results were as follows: DiBenedetto received 954 votes; 855 ballots were cast for Schnurr; Earle came in third with 753 votes; and Clayton garnered 700 votes.

DiBenedetto said he was pleased to be able to serve Freehold Borough for another three years.

"I would like to thank the people for their support. This was probably the most competitive election I've been in in all my years in government," DiBenedetto said. "I'm looking forward to serving with Nolan (Higgins) and thank for his years of service."

Democrat J. Nolan Higgins, who ran unopposed in the mayoral race, received 1,332 votes. The race included 34 write-in votes, including one for Bruce Springsteen.

"I'm very excited to get to work. I'd like to thank the borough residents for their support in this election," Higgins said.

Freehold Borough, Freehold Township and Monmouth County Republicans gathered at the American Hotel in Downtown Freehold following the election results. Clayton and Earle were not at the by the time Freehold Patch arrived.

Councilman John Newman, the only Republican on the borough's governing body, said Clayton and Earle would have made excellent members of council.

"They would have brough a needed change to the borough," Newman said.

Reached by phone Wednesday, Clayton extended his congratulations to the Democrats.

"I wish Mike, George and Nolan the best," Clayton said. "It was a tough campaign. I don't think I realized how tough it would be. There are a lot of issues in the borough that need to be addressed and I hope they will be."