The balance of power on the Cranford Township Committee has once again shifted back to the Democratic party as Thomas Hannen Jr. defeated Republican Scott Mease to secure a seat on the governing body. Hannen, who ran unsuccessfully alongside former Mayor Daniel Aschenbach last year, pulled off a victory in the Nov. 6 general election, defeated his GOP opponent by approximately 676 votes, according to the unofficial results provided by Township Clerk Tara Rowley. "This was a team effort put together by a lot of great people. I look forward to getting to work as soon as possible," Hannen said …

There were few surprises as the results were tallied in the race for three seats on the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, in which the Democratic party once again swept the GOP. Six candidates were competing for three openings on the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders including: Democrats Alexander Mirabella of Fanwood, who  currently serves as chairman of the Freeholder Board; Mohamed S. Jalloh, of Roselle who is finishing up his first term and Bruce H. Bergen of Springfield, who joined the Democratic ticket this year. Republicans challengers included Diane Barabas of Westfield…

Republican Congressman Leonard Lance (NJ-07) will be heading back to Washington to begin his third term after defeating Democratic challenger Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula. Lance won 58 percent of the vote, with Chivukula capturing just 39 percent. Many believed the race was Lance's to lose, as the 7th Congressional district spans a largely Republican territory that includes Hunterdon, Middlesex, Somerset, and Union counties as well as parts of Morris.  Throughout his campaign, Lance stressed the need for reform to President Barack Obama's Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. He has …

Six candidates are competing for three openings on the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. The Board is comprised of nine members who are elected to three-year terms of office on a staggered basis, with three seats coming up for election each year. The Freeholder Board sets policies for the operation of the County, while day-to-day operations is supervised by an appointed County Manager. Three Republicans, none of whom have previously held an elected office, are hoping to shake up a Board that has been made up of Democrats for decades. Up for election today: Alexander Mirabella, of …

Township Committee: One seat open Former Republican Township Commissioner Scott Mease and Democrat Thomas Hannen Jr. are both seeking election to the single seat that will be up for grabs on the Cranford Township Committee in the November election. Republican Mayor David Robinson's term is set to expire at the end of the year, but after nearly six years on the dias, he has chosen not to seek re-election. The outcome of the November election will determine the balance of power on the Township Committee. Currently, the governing body is made up of three Republicans — Robinson and new members …

The Union County Board of Elections has announced changes in polling place locations for today's general election due to safety concerns and other issues resulting from Hurricane Sandy.BLOOMINGDALE AVENUE SCHOOL DISTRICT: Voters in districts 8, 12 and 30 (Bloomingdale Avenue School) will vote at Orange Avenue School. All other districts have not changed, including Districts 11 and 27 which will remain at Hillside Avenue School. To determine your voting district, visit the Township’s website at www.cranford.com/elections/ or contact the Township Clerk’s Office at 908-709-7210. You can also …