Running on a platform of greater accountability and transparency in town government, Michael Nochimson and Alex Roman were elected to Town Council today.
According to the unofficial election results, Nochimson led all candidates with 1,489 votes and Roman had 1,448. Rich Williamson finished third, with 1,178 votes. Frank Sapienza, who was running for a third term, finished last with 1,120 votes. Turnout was 26.9% of all registered voters, up sharply from the last Council election in 2013, when just 21.2% of registered voters came to the polls.
Both Nochimson and Roman did substantially better than they did in their previous runs at office. In 2011, when Nochimson won his first term, he got just 918 votes. Roman ran unsuccessfully two years ago and got just 785 votes. By contrast, Sapienza was the top vote getter in 2011, with 1,116 votes.
“This is a victory for all of Verona,” said Nochimson. “I’m gratified and humbled that our message of responsible government, accountable to residents, resonated with so many people. I look forward to working together to set Verona on a path towards prosperity and sustainability. ”
“I am incredibly thankful to the people of Verona for electing me as a Councilman,” said Roman. “The outpouring of support for our campaign has been nothing short of overwhelming. I appreciate the work of my campaign manager Al DeOld, my running mate Michael Nochimson, and our entire campaign team that has dedicated countless hours to this effort. I look forward to the opportunity to serve the community and I know that bright days lie ahead for our town.”
“I want to personally thank Councilman Frank Sapienza and Rich Williamson for their service to the town,” Roman added, “and I know that they will remain vital parts of our community for years to come.”
Nochimson and Roman won every district except District 1, which is largely the Claridge, and District 7, an F.N. Brown district, where Williamson came in second.
