Bradford, Republicans take Milltown election
Council newcomers defeat incumbents Steeber, Deinzer
BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer
The Republican candidates swept at the polls Tuesday, indicating voters' satisfaction with the incumbent mayor, and a desire for change on the Milltown Borough Council.

"It was amazing," said Mayor Gloria Bradford. "The amount that I won by was truly a mandate of the people."

Bradford, who is in her ninth year as mayor, beat out her opponents, Democratic Councilman Mike Skarzynski and independent Michael Lewycky by substantial margins. Garnering 1,530 votes to Skarzynski's 733 and Lewycky's 233, Bradford said she was surprised to win by such a large majority.

Skarzynski is in his 11th year on the Borough Council, and he has another year left on his current term.

"Of course, I'm a little disappointed, but the people have always been good to me when I ran for the council," Skarzynski said. "I want to congratulate Mayor Bradford on her decisive victory, and I look forward to working with the Republicans for the betterment of the borough."

Bradford said she was unhappy with some aspects of Skarzynski's campaign, which she felt were unnecessary. One letter recently sent to residents criticized her performance as mayor, and she feels that another, sent to historic homes in town, used scare tactics on residents.

"That triggered off an anger in me that wasn't there before," Bradford said. "People don't want to hear what the opponent can't do, or doesn't do. In a town like this, you have to go out with positive things. You cannot go out attacking the opponents."

Bradford's running mates, Historic Preservation Advisory Committee Chairwoman Stacey Waters and firefighter Brian Harto, surpassed the Democratic slate of council President Eric Steeber and Councilman Bill Deinzer to win three-year council terms. Waters and Harto took 1,449 and 1,425 votes, respectively, while Steeber got 936 and Deinzer, 996 votes.

"We knew it would be close," Harto said. "We were just ecstatic. It still hasn't sunk in. Obviously, the voters are tired of what is going on, and want a change."

Waters echoed Harto's sentiments.

"We put a lot of hard work into this," she said. "We are just really excited and gratified."

Steeber's reaction to the election results was one of gratitude toward residents, as well as relief.

"I've had a great 17-year run involved in the government of Milltown," Steeber said. "I think maybe it's time for a changing of the guard."

Steeber said it is a critical time in the town, with difficult decisions to be made by the governing body.

"I'm really kind of glad that someone else is going to have to make those decisions," Steeber said. "I felt like Atlas with the Earth coming off my shoulders. And I truly wish the two new council people all the luck in the world. After 17 years, it's going to be nice to finally have my life back."

Steeber said negative campaign tactics by opponents may have swayed some voters. Nevertheless, he repeatedly thanked the people of Milltown for supporting him over the years.

"The real reason I got into government ... was that I really enjoyed serving the people of Milltown."

With another four years ahead of her as mayor, Bradford is looking toward the future.

"It was a Republican sweep, and now we have to deliver on what we promised," Bradford said. "Based on my past record, I think the people feel that we will deliver what we promised. That's our philosophy - to promise, deliver and be accountable."