Dems Dyas and Weber take both council seats BY JAY BODAS Staff Writer METUCHEN - Voters re-elected Democratic incumbents Richard Weber and Rick Dyas for Borough Council on Nov. 7. "I was happy with the number of voters that turned out and with the percentages by which we won," said Councilman Richard Weber, who won a second term on the council. He was re-elected along with Councilman Rick Dyas, who is currently serving his third term. They defeated Republican candidates Steven Shapiro and Christopher Russomanno by more than 700 votes each. Weber and Dyas received 2,556 and 2,542 votes, respectively, while Shapiro and Russomanno garnered 1,817 and 1,833 votes each. "I look forward to serving Metuchen as I have for the last three years and to working on projects that I have been involved with, including having input on development of the Stop & Shop property so that it becomes the jewel in the crown of our downtown," Weber said. Dyas thanked their Republican opponents for running. "It takes a lot of courage for folks to put themselves forward," Dyas said. "I am glad Rich and I get to continue serving the people of Metuchen and hopefully accomplish the things we set out to do. I think that we have some hard work we need to do to serve everyone in Metuchen." Of their Republican opponents, Russomanno could not be reached for comment, though Shapiro said that the borough is in need of a "different voice." "I am very disappointed, but there is always next year," Shapiro said. "I just hope that the council takes into consideration what the people want and don't push through a development plan for the former Stop & Shop site that most people I've talked to hate." The local government needs to address filling the empty spaces Metuchen has on Main and New streets with new stores, Shapiro said. "I am disappointed but encouraged," he said. "I got 1,800-something votes, and I will continue to do what I can. Relieving traffic congestion and lowering taxes are still priorities for me. I would like to get on the Planning Board or one of the committees and do whatever I can to help out."