Faces old and new are part of the Republican-affiliated slate that is the first to announce its candidacy for the three West Windsor Council seats in this fall’s non-partisan election. Council President Bryan Maher will not be seeking re-election as part of the slate, which features recently appointed Council member Hemant Marathe, longtime volunteer Virginia Manzari, and newcomer Gerald Halloran.
Citing job commitments, Maher confirmed he will finish the final year of his first term — during which he has presided as president for the past two years — and not pursue a second term. Since January he has been commuting to his job on Wall Street.
“My employer has asked me to take on increasing responsibilities, and that will cut into time I can dedicate to Council,” he says. “I will be supporting the team of Hemant Marathe and Virginia Manzari.”
Manzari will vie for the seat vacated by Maher. She currently serves on the Zoning Board, and “she has been an active voice within the WW-P School District, advocating for students, parents, and teachers,” according to the reslate’s press release.
Marathe was appointed to serve the last months of Kristina Samonte’s term after she moved to Virginia earlier in the year. He previously served on the WW-P school board for 12 years, with nine years as board president.
The third Council seat up for election is currently held by George Borek, who declined to comment on his future plans
The third member of the slate, Halloran, lives in Canal Pointe with his wife, Susie, and their toddler son. Originally from Canastota, New York, he works as an area sales manager for Santander. According to the press release he was a delegate to American Legion Boys State and has previously served as a fundraiser for the Paul R. Carey Foundation and the VH1 Save the Music Foundation.
#b#In Plainsboro#/b#
Committeemen Neil Lewis and Nuran Nabi will both seek re-election. Lewis was first elected in 1995 and has been deputy mayor since 1998. Nabi has been on the committee since 2007.
#b#For School Board#/b#
WW-P School Board president Tony Fleres and board member Rachel Juliana have filed for re-election. Both are from Plainsboro. In West Windsor, board vice president Michele Kaish is also running for re-election.
Candidates have until Monday, July 27, to file petitions with the Mercer County Clerk. As of July 20, no challengers had entered the race.
