In Plainsboro, Mayor Peter Cantu retained his set on the township committee by defeating Republican challenger Krishna Jagannnathan by a final count of 1,802 to 690, with four separate write-in votes. The margin is the largest that Cantu has ever won by in his 13 municipal elections.
Jagannathan, though disappointed with the results, had an appreciative message for Mayor Cantu.
“Congratulations on your victory. While we may disagree on your means and some of your decisions, ultimately Plainsboro is a clean, safe town with a vibrant, diverse community and a top-notch school system. I wish you the best of luck over the next three years,” he said.
In an E-mail to the News, the 27-year-old Jagannathan thanked his supporters for their encouragement, energy and dedication. He hinted at possibly running again as well.
“Perhaps it was not wise of me to try and challenge a 37-year incumbent career politician, but I certainly gave it my all and I can’t fault a process that gave me the opportunity to meet so many people. This may be my first foray into elected office, but it is far from my last,” Jagannathan wrote.
Cantu, who was not available for comment, continued through the week with a busy schedule highlighted by the Veterans Day wreath-laying memorial service on the grounds of municipal building.
Less than 48 hours after the election Mayor Cantu was business-like at the township committee meeting on Thursday, November 10, but he took time out to shake hands with some residents who attended and meet a boy scout and his mother. During public comments Cantu also engaged in a 10-minute discussion with resident Quentin Walsh concerning the WW-P school budget surplus of $12 million.
Cantu’s latest re-election leads him to a three-year term expiring in 2014, which will mark his 40th year serving on the Plainsboro Township Committee.
