Republicans Sweep in Manasquan, Nicolay Retains Seat in Belmar

The Manasquan Republicans will keep their two seats on the Borough Council, despite sending two newcomers to keep the Democrats from taking complete control of the governing body. 

Mike Sinneck and Greg Olivera defeated Democrats Peter Pappas and Michelle Batista, according to preliminary results from the county. 

The GOP councilmen-elect each took just over 1,400 votes, for a combined 58 percent of the vote. 

Olivera received 1468 votes (29.56 percent) and Sinneck garnered 28.43 percent. 

The Democratic challengers combined registered just over 2000 votes. 

Pappas took in 1106 votes (22.27 percent), while Batista received 977 votes (19.67 perent). 

Over in Belmar, Democratic incumbent Jennifer Nicolay defeated Republican challenger Thomas Burke, keeping her seat on the Belmar Borough Council, according to preliminary results from the county. 

Nicolay received 57 percent (1113 votes) of the vote to Burke's 42 percent (808), the results show. 

And regarding the Manasquan Board of Education vote, there were no surprises, as all five candidates received as many seats with few write-in challenges. 

Kenneth Clayton, Thomas Pellegrino and Patricia Walsh each received full three-year terms. And Thomas Bauer and Mike Shelton each were elected to one-year unexpired terms. 

Pellegrino is the only member not currently serving on the board. 

Here's who ran: 

Manasquan Borough Council (two open seats)

• Republicans Mike Sinneck and Greg Olivera
• Democrats Michelle Batista and Peter Pappas

Manasquan Board of Education (five open seats)

• Mike Shelton (one-year unexpired)
• Thomas Bauer (one-year unexpired)
• Kenneth Clayton (three-year expired)
• Thomas Pellegrino (three-year expired)
• Patricia Walsh (three-year expired)

Belmar Borough Council (one open seat)

• Democrat Jennifer Nicolay (incumbent)
• Republican Thomas Burke