Freeholder incumbents withstand GOP challenge

Three Democrat incumbents won new terms on the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders on Nov. 3, but their Republican challengers made a stronger showing at the polls than they have in years.

Carol Barrett H. James Polos and Ronald G. Rios were reelected to three-year terms, garnering 86,201 and 84,464 votes, respectively, edging out Republicans Lynda Woods Cleary and Richard F. Frank, with 76,544 and 74,847 votes.

Carol Barrett, 48, of South Brunswick, appointed last year to the unexpired term that formerly belonged to the late David B. Crabiel, was elected to serve the remaining two years of that term. The Democrat defeated Republican Candice Greaux in a vote of 88,438 to 72,165.

Polos, 51, of Highland Park, will serve his fifth term on the board.

This will be the first full term for Rios, 57, of Carteret, who was initially appointed as a freeholder when John Pulomena resigned his seat to become county administrator in early 2008. Rios was then elected to a one-year unexpired term last November.

"I'm very happy, obviously, that we as a team of the freeholders won. It shows that the county residents are happy with what we focus on, on the priorities

H. James Polos to us to control spending, [preserve] open space, and our priority of education … [which is] second to none," Rios said.

As the chairman of the Committee of Public Health and Education, Rios said the immediate focus centers on the flu strains going around.

For his next term, he said he plans to focus on education, specifically high school students who are unsure of their plans after graduation — whether that involves college, a trade school, the work force or the military — and for adults who may be re-entering college in order to refocus their careers or provide themselves with diversified career options.

"I think it's our responsibility to try and take that extra step and try to reach out to them and show them the opportunities that are available," Rios said. "I think it's important for people to know what's available in Middlesex County, and we have a lot to offer."

Ronald G. Rios Woods Cleary, 59, of South Brunswick, said she was more encouraged week's election results than she was in 2008 when she first ran for freeholder, because citizens cast votes for change at several levels of government.

"Republicans won key positions in this election because of the support that they received from voters regardless of their registration," she said. "The citizens of New Jersey voiced their discontentment with ineffective partisan politics. They are demanding workable solutions to the problems facing the middle-class taxpayers."

Woods Cleary said she is hopeful that more residents will make themselves knowledgeable and aware of county government within the next six months so that change can take place in 2010.

Greaux, 23, of Edison, said it was an honor to run for freeholder and do so on a ticket with Woods Cleary and Frank.

"I loved having the opportunity to meet so many residents of Middlesex County, and though I was not elected this year, I am looking forward to continuing

my involvement in the community and serving the public," Greaux said. "I am encouraged that the residents of the county are ready and eager to work with government to improve the quality of life here in New Jersey, as evidenced by the spirited debate on the issues that occurred this year."

Greaux said she

wishes the freeholders the best of luck representing the interests of the residents, and that she is "eager to see the policies and programs that they will work on in the coming months."

— Brian Donahue and Jennifer Amato