All remains the same on the Manalapan Town Commission after it saw quite a shake-up a year ago.
Four seats — including the mayor’s — were up for grabs in 2025 and only the incumbents filed to qualify by the Nov. 19 deadline.
That means Mayor John Deese, 66, who took over the mayor’s duties following the resignation of former Mayor Stewart Satter, will enjoy another term, as will Commissioners Cindy McMackin, 57; Simone Bonutti, 50; and David Knobel, 66.
The seven-member commission did get a makeover beginning a year ago after Satter and four other members resigned, worried about new state financial disclosure requirements that were set to take effect but have since been stayed by the courts.
McMackin moved into Deese’s seat in March after he ascended to the mayor’s position. Orla Imbesi, Dwight Kulwin and Elliot Bonner were appointed to the commission in December 2023 to fill other vacancies and secured new terms in March because no one filed to run against them.
Deese said he was happy that no one else decided to run because the commission with its new members has been working well together in addressing the town’s needs.
— John Pacenti
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