Incumbent loses at Newark GOP caucus
By John Zornow

Last night's Republican Caucus in the Village of Newark will put a new face on the March ballot. An active campaign for the GOP nod for Village Justice was waged by incumbent V. Bruce Chambers and attorney Daniel Barrett.

Chambers was nominated by former Mayor Dr. James Praino. Barrett, a former counsel of the Republican Committee, challenged Chambers, and was nominated by Dr. David Hannan of Geneva, who pleaded to the voters to consider 'ability to be elected' as an issue. Chambers almost lost to Democratic challenger Wendy Clar, two years ago. When the votes were counted, Barrett had defeated Chambers by a margin of only two votes, 90-88.

No one challenged incumbent Mayor Peter Blandino. He was nominated for another 4-year-term. Newark businessman Jim McBride seconded the nomination, along with longtime Republican, Ed Greco. Blandino was officially declared the party's nominee with a vote cast by the caucus secretary.

Blandino will be accompanied on the March ballot by incumbent trustee John Bailey Jr., who was nominated by Len Colavito. Former village trustee Francis Mason Jr., who served on the village board from 1993 to 1997 threw his hat into the ring for the seat of retiring Democrat trustee Norm Vandemortal. Mason received nominations from former Mayor, Dr. Jim Praino, Dawn Strait, and Anne Farrell.

Former Newark Police officer, Fire Chief and Acting Justice James J. Colacino was nominated by Newark Middle School teacher Scott Briggs. Former Police Sgt. Dan Stevens and former Town Councilman Mike DeJohn seconded Colacino's nomination.

Final tally: Bailey (139) and Mason (133) easily won over Colacino (58).

Democrats will caucus on January 24, 7 p.m. at Charter One Bank. The village election is in March.

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