Judge denies Holley a recount in Roselle

Jamel Holley’s bid for a recount in the Roselle Democratic mayoral primary has been denied, clearing the way for incumbent Donald Shaw, who has no general election opponent, to win a four-year term in November.

Shaw defeated Holley by 76 votes, 1,484 to 1408.

“Holley has not provided a sufficient basis to support the claim that an error has been made in the tabulation of votes,” wrote Superior Court Judge Mark P. Ciarrocca in an opinion released today. “Holley’s application for a recount must be denied as the application fails to present sufficient, competent, or credible evidence of an error in tabulation warranting a recount.”

Ciarrocca rejected Holley’s claim that election irregularities – including undervotes and overvotes- necessitated a new tally.    He found the explanation by Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi that every voter doesn’t vote in every race to be credible.

“A recount application, is not, on the other hand, an opportunity to challenge votes that were rejected or votes that were counted,” the judge stated.  “That type of challenge would fall squarely within the framework of an election contest.”

In a statement from his campaign, Holley indicated that he would accept the decision and not appeal.

“The Holley Campaign regrets that many voters rightfully feel disenfranchised by the result of the election,” the statement said.   “Jamel C. Holley vows to continue to be a voice for the people of the Borough of Roselle and to remain engaged in public service.”

Holley, a former assemblyman and Roselle mayor, had sought a political comeback this year as an off-the-line candidate.

Despite his defeat, Holley has returned, although not necessarily in the post he wanted.   He’s the new first vice chairman of the Roselle Democratic Party.

His path to winning that post was unusual.

In addition to his mayoral bid, Holley mounted a slate of candidates for the Democratic county committee.  Several close races and some ties resulted in the Holley faction winning 18 of the 38 county committee seats.

The aftermath resulted in a split within Shaw’s camp when Councilwoman Denise Wilkerson challenged Assemblyman Reginald Atkins (D-Roselle) for Democratic municipal chair.

Atkins, the incumbent municipal chair and a Shaw supporter, forged a coalition with Holley, who backed him for re-election and wound up getting the number two slot in the local party leadership in the process.

Wilkerson accused Atkins of playing both sides in the mayoral primary.

“Mayor Shaw and our Democratic team were able to successfully defeat the Holley team, but we came to the conclusion that Chairman Atkins has been prioritizing himself above all else while refusing to work in the best interests of the Roselle Democratic Party,” she said.

Wilkerson added, “While the vast majority of elected Column A committee members determined it best to move forward with a new Chair, Reginald Atkins formalized a deal with Jamel Holley, Garrett Smith, and the team that ran against our Democratic Party to try and save his failed Chairmanship.  We have won elections in spite of Rev. Atkins, and now we will move forward with every option at our disposal to ensure he is not successful in his efforts to brazenly violate state statute,  ignore committee bylaws, and disenfranchise Roselle Democratic Committee members.”

But Akins said he only wanted unity.

“It’s become apparent to me that we bring both sides together.  This was a good opportunity to start,” Atkins told New Jersey.  “We keep saying we’re stronger together.  This was a way to bring people together.  It can’t be about one person.  It has to be about the town moving forward.”

Atkins retained his chairmanship and easily won his own primary bid for a second term in the legislature.   Wilkerson wants Union County Democrats to remove Atkins from the ballot, something they lack statutory authority to do.

“There have been factions since I’ve been in Roselle over twenty years and I’m happy I’m the one to have the opportunity to bring the party together,” he said.