Strumolo leads Mattia, but race too close to call

Councilwoman Marie Strumolo leads Carmine Mattia 458-382 in a race that remains too close to call.

The councilwoman is something of a controversial figure. Her 2014 campaign against then-Mayor Raymond Kimble was marked by allegations that she used a racial slur in a voicemail left on then-Councilman Kevin Kennedy’s phone.

Despite that controversy, Strumolo remained a relatively popular figure in Belleville’s 1st  Ward, winning re-election in 2016 with 72% of the vote.

Mattia is a business agent for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 827 and an ally of Mayor Michael Melham.

The town’s three other council races passed with less drama, with incumbents Steven Rovell (2nd Ward) and John Notari (4th Ward) their challengers without much trouble.

Rovell defeated Frank Velez 916-416. Notari defeated Miosotty Martinez 536-197.

Deputy Mayor Vincent Cozzarelli (3rd Ward) won reelection unopposed.