Andover mayor loses reelection nod

By Rose Sgarlato
ANDOVER — Voters nominated Dolores Blackburn and John Burke in Andover Township's Republican primary Tuesday.

Mayor Phil Boyce received 187 votes and failed to get the nod from voters. Last January, Boyce was voted in to serve as mayor by his fellow committee members and he will continue in that role until Dec.31.

With two seats up for grabs, current committee member Dolores Blackburn will serve another three years after receiving 257 votes, and newcomer Burke received 284 votes.

Boyce said he was upbeat and optimistic following Tuesday's election.

“I wish [Burke} nothing but the best,” said Boyce. “ There are some things I agreed with him on such as term limits and eliminating benefits for committee members in the future, and I hope he follows through with that.”

Boyce added that he looks forward to carrying out his agenda until his term ends, and he was supportive of the election process.

“Standing by principles is more important to me than winning an election. I am going to sleep well tonight. If the voters would prefer another person to represent that I am fine with that,” said Boyce.

Blackburn and Boyce filed petitions together and ultimately campaigned together, however, they were not considered on the same ticket, as the ballot no longer allows bracketing, according to Blackburn.

“I am sorry that my fellow committee member Phil Boyce did not win. I look forward to another three years serving Andover Township, “ said Blackburn.

Burke said he is grateful for his supporters and emphasized that the primary was just the beginning.

“I am excited that the residents of Andover agreed in our plan of common sense government. I hope to continue to be part of the process and be on the committee in January,” Burke said. “I want to thank everyone. This is the first step, and I look forward to continuing the process and doing right by our fellow citizens.”

The results are not official until provisional votes are included on June 5, said Sussex County Board of Elections Administrator Marge McCabe.