Democrat Unseats One Republican Councilman, Lipari Re-elected to Council

Democrat Christian Semenecz, the lone challenger in the race against two Republican incumbents, has unseated Republican Councilman John Dingertopadre, according to unofficial vote totals.

Semenecz, a longtime firefighter and former councilman, led with 2,368 votes. Coming in second was Republican incumbent Rosario "Russell" Lipari, who was re-elected to the council with 2,287 votes. Dingertopadre received 2,082 votes.

A Democrat has not served on the council in five years. Republicans still have the majority with five council persons and a Republican mayor.

Semenecz says he didn't have the opportunity to campaign this year after having surgery to his arm and is grateful to the people of Hasbrouck Heights.

"They wanted a voice and here I am," said Semenecz at Borough Hall after receiving the news that he received the most votes.

"I promise to see everyone in Hasbrouck Heights after this election. I have to pay them respect for what they did," he said. He formerly served on the council in the 1970s.

Lipari was surrounded by fellow Republican council people, Mayor Rose Heck and supporters at Lovey's Pizza Tuesday night.

Lipari said he is thankful to the voters for their support. This will be his second term.

Dingertopadre was not present and was unavailable for comment Tuesday night.

According to Borough Clerk Rosemarie Sees, the vote totals do not include absentee ballots and write-ins. They expect to be available next week.

There was no contest in the first-ever November Board of Education election.

Longtime trustee Constance Doheny received 1,346 votes, Mark Stefanelli received 1,112 votes and LaMorte received 1,053 votes. This will be Doheny's third term on the Board of Education and a first three-year team for Stefanelli who was appointed last fall to finish out a term. This will be newcomer LaMorte's first term.

This election drew more than half of the registered voters in town to the polls. Of the 7,558 registered voters, 5,276 came out the polls Tuesday.

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