Salem County freeholders: Laury, Timberman

SALEM - The scales tipped closer to a balance between political parties following Tuesday's freeholder election, and for the first time in more than a decade the board will have representation from the eastern side of the county.

Republican newcomer Ben Laury reigned as the top vote-getter this year with 10,603 votes, with Democrat incumbent Beth Timberman reclaiming her seat with 9,464.

Laury, 54, of Elmer, will become the first person to serve from that area of Salem County since 1995. Ousting Democrat incumbent Jeffrey Hogan, Laury has found redemption after losing to his running mate by just seven votes last year.

"I feel fantastic. A lot different than last year," Laury said after being declared the winner. "We worked very hard for the past nine months to get to this point."

Republican newcomer Stacy Jennings took the third most votes with 8,806 while Hogan garnered 8,142. Rounding out the ticket were Independent candidates Edmund Spinelli Sr. (1,056 votes) and Ken James (1,055 votes).

"I'm happy that the voters had confidence in me to return me to office," Timberman said. "I think it's one of those tides, when the top of the ticket is sweeping Republican sometimes it sweeps all the way down."

Although Democrats will still hold a 4-3 majority on the seven-member freeholder board, suddenly the 6-1 Democrat edge held just two years ago seems like the distant past, according to Salem County Democrat Party Chairman Steve Caltabiano.

"What do the numbers tell us? They tell us that we peaked at some point along the line here," said Caltabiano. "I don't know if I would change anything in the campaign. It's just the voters have spoken. Now we will evaluate the results and pick up the pieces from there."

Salem County Republican Party Chairman Michael Facemyer said that the results are an indication of the sincere and honest campaign his party put forth, adding it was a somewhat shallow victory with Jennings unsuccessful bid.

"It was a good year for our team," Facemyer said. "It's because right now our guys are working hard, I think people can relate to our message and the values that we stand for."

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