Oakland back to all Republican after incumbent Democratic mayor defeated on Tuesday
OAKLAND — Voters said yes to Republicans and no to cannabis in Tuesday's municipal elections.
Republican Councilman Eric Kulmala beat Democratic Mayor Linda Schwager for the borough's top seat by 67 votes, 2,155 to 2,088. Schwager bested Kulmala in a similarly tight race in 2019, winning by 63 votes, 1,588 to 1,525, according to unofficial votes released by Bergen County.
Kulmala and Schwager did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the tight race and how soon they would make statements on the result.
Republican Councilmen Russell Talamini and Pasquale "Pat" Pignatelli were elected to new terms with votes of 2,227 and 2,352, respectively, over Democratic challengers Andrea Levy, with 1,893 votes, and former Councilman John Biale, with 1,859 votes.
The results return the borough to an all-male and Republican mayor and council.
Two non-binding questions regarding cannabis businesses within the borough were defeated.
The first question asked if residents wanted cannabis support services, such as cultivation, manufacturing, wholesale and distribution, within the borough. The vote was 2,264 against and 1,578 in favor.
The second question asked if residents would approve of cannabis retail sales within the borough. The vote was 2,500 against and 1,330 in favor.
The council adopted three ordinances in December 2021 establishing five categories of non-retail cannabis businesses that could be set up in the borough. However, they balked when Kusala Care Cannabis LLC filed an application eight months later, in August 2022, to open a cannabis cultivation facility on Muller Road.
The council eventually approved Kusala in April, but a debate lingered on whether its members wanted the businesses at all, regardless of whether or not the state declared them legal. Schwager urged consideration of the financial benefits to the borough. But Councilman John McCann was vocal in his objections to the product's long-debated health impacts, encouraging the placing of the questions on the ballot.
A third binding referendum question asked voters to approve the continuation of its Open Space Trust Fund for 10 years. It was approved by 2,334 yes to 968 no votes.
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The open space tax brings in about $300,500 a year to purchase open space or promote passive recreation activities such as nature walks and picnic and gaming areas. Residents are taxed a maximum 1 penny for every $100 in assessed home valuation. On the average home, valued at $408,700, the open space tax would be $40.87.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Oakland NJ back to all GOP after incumbent Dem mayor defeated
