Republican challenger Stephen J. Antonelli defeated incumbent Gene Sheninger in the primary race for a township council nomination by 142 votes.
Sheninger, who has served as a Republican representative on the council for the past eight years, said he was both surprised and disappointed by the outcome.
Antonelli could not be reached for comment Tuesday night.
In Feburary, Sheninger introduced an ordinance rezoning the Christ Church property. But Sheninger said he did not believe that the Christ Church issue had anything to do with his loss.
On the contrary, he thought that his opponent, who owns an auto garage in Marcella, did a good job of getting a lot of his customers out to the polls.
"The issue was that he did a lot to bring out the undeclared," Sheninger said. "His customers came out. He's a likable enough guy."
Sheninger also said he thinks he lost, in part, because a lot of people did not come out to vote for the primary.
"They just thought I'd be easily in there," he said.
Good point Q. There will never be any if I have anything to do with it. Wait till you see tomorrow's stories. It seems that the "church" made a press release today, taking credit for Gene losing the primary, or at least claiming that his supporting the ordinance change did it. It also contains a strongly worded warning to the other officials in Rockaway Twp to watch out, that this loss has been a shot over the bow, etc. etc. etc. Need I say what I think of their self-serving, arrogant, egocentric, BS? Just who the **** do they think they are? They dont know a damned thing about RT, RT politics, nor do they care. Its all about them.
Your recent attempt at twisting the truth is the most pathetic attempt of diversion we have seen yet. Are you and your client of the opinion that your egos are the only issue to the voters of Rockaway Twp? There are many issues of importance to the voters of RT, frankly you are not the only thing that matters. Sometimes voters are given the unique oppurtunity of 2 good candidates. Steve has won and I know that he will do a good job taking care of the 6th. Steve has lived here his entire life and I am sure, extremely sure, he will do what is best for the residents of RTWP. Your acts of desperation are laughable - that seems to be a word that comes up rather often when I think of the actions of you Mr. Whinestein. Try taking the high road the view up here is rather nice.
Have a lovely evening,
Lisa
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The truth wins out over slick PR and personal attacks.
The Christ Church Plan for the redevelopment of 140 Green Pond Rd is just too big for the area.
I am just disquisted at the fact that CC thinks that Gene lost because of the New Ordinance. That is just so far from the truth. CC is not even at part of Rockaway Township, they do not even have a say or a response to what happens in OUR TOWN!
Gene did a terrific job for us, now Steve will also support Rockaway Township and it's interests.
It is just beyond me, how CC and Mr. Weinstein have to feel they need to put their -.02 cents in our business. A press release is not needed for this, but CC & Weinstein feel they need to stay in he limelight (news, etc). Frankly, you do not need to.
The residents of Rockaway Township will fight for what is right for OUR community, because WE ARE good neighbors to one another. Our Town Officials shall read nothing of Steve's victory or Gene's loss. They will do thier job and protect the environment, traffic and infrastructure.
Do not think for one minute that your press release will inhibit Rockaway Township and it's Officials.
