Politics & Government

Voters Return Brame, Possibly Kownacki, to Lawrence Council

The vote tallies are unofficial and only 30 votes separate Kownacki from challenger Max Ramos. An official tally (including mail-in and provisional ballots) is expected by Friday.

In a close race, unofficial vote tallies show Lawrence voters returned incumbent Democrats James S. Kownacki and Stephen Brame to Council, narrowly edging out Republican challlengers Glenn Collins and Max Ramos. 

According to unofficial results from Lawrence Township, Kownacki garnered 4,266 votes and Brame received 4,348 votes. Collins received 4,196 votes and Ramos received 4,236 votes. 

Collins and Ramos ran together on a platform of fiscal responsibility and an end to what they call a "garbage tax." Their efforts landed both within 100 votes of defeating Kownacki. 

A final vote tally, and a final decision on whether Kownacki or Ramos earned the second open seat on Council, is expected by Friday. 

Brame, 64, is a lawyer. Asked what he believes are the most pressing issues facing Lawrence Council and how he would approach and resolve these issues, he replied: 

Improvement of the Township's financial condition and stimulation of economic growth. We have had to make tough decisions over the last two years due the effects of the Great Recession’s impact on employment, property values, tax revenues, and business retention and expansion in our Township. But, we are weathering the storm. Certainly the largest part of the Township Budget is salary and wages for our employees. I would continue the progress that we have already achieved.  Lawrence Council has negotiated employee contracts with 7 unions that have contained unprecedented give backs in the various contractual agreements, such as  salary freezes, no medical benefits upon retirement for new employees and elimination of longevity pay for new employees. I will continue to evaluate Township functions that may not be economically efficient and I would consider privatizing functions of government that can be more efficiently delivered to the community without a loss in the quality of such services. For example, Council’s recent privatization of our police dispatches which is projected to realize a savings of 1.1 million dollars to the taxpayers over the next five years.  I would continue to investigate ways and means to expand our shared services with our bordering towns and Mercer County Government. Such programs and more like them should continue to bring tax relief to our citizens. 

We have amended our zoning laws in order to stimulate economic opportunities at the Quakerbridge and the Mercer Malls We have worked with “Mrs G’s” – a local business in Lawrence Township that has served the Lawrence community for several decades, to modernize it facilities and to revitalize several acres of underutilized land along the Route One corridor. In addition, our Planning Board has approved the anticipated arrival of Costco which will bring a substantial ratable and up to 200 new jobs to our Township. This month, two new businesses have celebrated their grand openings along the Route One corridor: Bellacina Kitchen and bath Showroom and Hobby Lobby. Both businesses have made significant renovations to their real properties and will increase our ratable base.

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