Recounts give razor-sharp victories to Democrats in Atlantic Highlands, Keyport
The text message popped onto Lori Hohenleitner’s phone Wednesday morning, the day after her narrow victory as Atlantic Highlands’ next mayor was confirmed by a recount.
“Congratulations Lori, very excited to work with you,” New Jersey governor and fellow Democrat Phil Murphy wrote. “Well done!”
The Monmouth County clerk’s office Tuesday upheld Hohenleitner’s triumph over Republican James Murphy for the vacant post, finalizing the count at 847 to 842. That was two votes more than she had after the initial count following the election last month.
“It’s been such a roller coaster and to hear from (Gov. Murphy) made it all real,” Hohenleitner said. “It finally felt official.”
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Hohenleitner and Murphy are members of Atlantic Highlands borough council and were vying to replace outgoing Mayor Loretta Gluckstein, a Republican. Hohenleitner is the council president.
“I want to be really clear that Jim Murphy loves Atlantic Highlands and he will continue to serve the borough well as a member of our council,” Hohenleitner said.
The runup to the recount was nerve-wracking, she said, but worthwhile.
“I appreciate the recount because it took doubt away,” she said. “I appreciate the thoroughness of the process. It was very professionally done.”
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The clerk’s office also conducted two other recounts:
It affirmed the Atlantic Highlands borough council victory of Democrat Alyson Forbes (851 votes) over Republican Ellen O’Dwyer Woods (840).
It affirmed the Keyport borough council victory of Democrat Heather Brady (861 votes) over Republican Christopher Demarest (856).
Hohenleitner, who has lived in the borough for 18 years, will be sworn in Jan. 1 by U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone. What will she be tackling immediately?
“We have exciting opportunities for open space in our town, a property adjacent to our Helen Marchetti Park (on Center Avenue), so we’re looking forward to planning that,” she said. “Obviously we want to make sure we’re taking a good look at our planning and zoning regulations to make sure they’re in line with the feel of our town and smart for our residents and the people who are interested in investing in Atlantic Highlands.”
Hohenleitner added: “With our proximity to New York City and our proximity to the fort (the former Fort Monmouth) with Netflix coming in, we know there are folks who might have an interest in living in town, but we also want to make sure folks who live here can stay here.”
Jerry Carino: jcarino@gannettnj.com.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Atlantic Highlands, Keyport recounts bring victories to Democrats
