JACKSON TOWNSHIP, N.J. — Republican candidates Mordechai Burnstein, Giuseppe A. Palmeri, and Nino A. Borrelli have successfully defended their positions in Jackson Township against a slate of independent challengers, according to official election results. The three Republicans garnered strong support, with Borrelli leading at 17.20% of the vote (11,016 votes), followed closely by Palmeri at 17.05% (10,923 votes) and Burnstein at 14.33% (9,180 votes).
Independent candidates mounted a notable challenge, capturing a significant portion of the vote. They often attacked Burnstein’s status as a religious Jew to garner dissent against him and publishing ‘dog whistles’ to rally voters against him.
In the end, the attempt to vilify Burnstein’s Jewish religion, he defeated his opponents.
Amanda Trombetta, a police academy flunkie who later sued and won a $1.5 million settlement against the Port Authority Police Department, led the independents with 9,066 votes, or 14.15%, followed by Hope Drew with 8,176 votes (12.76%).
Trombetta surpassed her two running mates, husband and wife Elenor Hannum and Eric Hannum also performed strongly, receiving 8,082 votes (12.62%) and 7,363 votes (11.49%), respectively.
Hannum filed a $500,000 tort claim against the township earlier this year and has threatened to seek damages for being told she was ‘out of order’ during a March 2024 town council meeting.
The results underscore Jackson Township’s continuing support for Republican candidates, despite a visible presence of independent contenders. The independent candidates collectively secured over 50% of the vote, reflecting a diverse voter base but ultimately failing to unseat the Republican incumbents.
“I want to thank all of the residents who voted for me and our team will continue to deliver results for all of the people of Jackson,” Burnstein said.
“Our Team is honored for your support and confidence. We want to thank our opponents for a spirited campaign and we look forward to working with everyone to do what is best for the residents of Jackson. Together, we can keep Jackson a great place to live, raise a family, build a business, and retire with dignity,” the team said in a statement today.
