Councilmen Pat Pignatelli and Chris Visconti handily beat their Democratic challengers with Pignatelli pulling in 2,330 votes and Visconti 2,283. Their Democratic challengers, Blum and Lescher, garnered 1,891 and 1,725 votes respectively.
The incumbents made their case at the one debate arguing their record showed progress in holding down property tax increases while maintaining services. The Democrats countered that a dissenting voice on the all Republican council could challenge the council to be more aggressive and creative in finding solutions to problems facing the borough.
All the candidates expressed a heartfelt desire to serve the community, but the Republican campaign undoubtedly presented a clearer message. Other than the public debate which was broadcast on local cable, the only significant communication prior to election day were mailings by both parties. The Republican campaign stayed on message and drove home the points made during the debate. The Democratic mailing, while addressing several issues, heavily pushed the once-a-week garbage pickup as one of the most important issues facing Oakland.
Congratulations to Pat Pignatelli and Chris Visconti.
I would also like to say thanks to voters who ousted Corzine. Christie won which is great, but let’s start working on getting back in track in January. I know also higher local government Republican candidates won, Driscoll and Hermanson and also congrats to State Assembly winners Russo and Rumana.