Politics & Government

East Brunswick Council Seat Still Unfilled as Pinkin is Sworn into Assembly

No candidates have been appointed yet to fill unexpired term on East Brunswick Township Council.

East Brunswick Township Councilwoman Nancy Pinkin began her term as a member of the New Jersey General Assembly's 18th Legislative District on Tuesday.

Pinkin and incumbent running mate Patrick Diegnan were sworn in this week after defeating Republicans Robert Benegivenga and running mate Lisa Goldhamer for two, two-year seats on the Assembly in the November general election. Pinkin now fills the seat of Peter Barnes, who was elected to serve as State Senator of the 18th District after defeating current East Brunswick Mayor David Stahl.

“I am thankful to the voters who placed their confidence in me. Serving in elected office is a privilege and responsibility I hold in the highest regard," Pinkin said. "As the newest 18th district representative, I look forward to working with my fellow colleagues in the Assembly and tapping into my experience in health care and prudent fiscal management to bring forth legislation that will help better the lives of residents in Middlesex County and all of New Jersey.”

Pinkin, who runs her own healthcare and association management consulting firm, previously served on the Township Council since 2005, with a two-year stint as Council President.

Yet to be determined is the fate of Pinkin's seat on the Township Council. State regulations allow the township party of the outgoing candidate to choose a replacement to fill one year of the unexpired term, with the remaining year then up for re-election next November. 

Pinkin was elected to another three-year term on the council in 2012.

The Township Clerk's Office said on Wednesday that no one has been appointed to fill the seat yet and the process is still up in the air. The council will next meet on Jan. 27, so no decision is expected to be announced prior to that date.


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