KULPMONT - A political newcomer secured his spot on November's ballot as the Democratic nominee for mayor, and, barring a Republican write-in winner, is likely the borough's next mayor.
In the only contested race for Kulpmont Borough Council, Bernard Novakoski defeated Nicholas Goretski III 229 to 150 in the Democratic race.
According to the Northumberland County website, 33 Republican and three Democratic write-in votes were cast in the mayoral race, but it's not yet known how many people that involves. According to state election law for boroughs, 10 write-in votes are needed to earn a place on the ballot.
Novakoski is set to become the borough's second Democratic mayor elected to office since 2009, when Myron Turlis won election after long-time mayor Robert Slaby did not run for office in 2008.
Turlis did not seek re-election this year, leaving office after one term as mayor.
Running for office for the first time, Novakoski is a member of Holy Angels Church and serves on the church's building committee. He is a charter member of the Kulpmont Sportsmen's Association and one of the original organizers of the Young Democrats of Northumberland County.
Both candidates said in campaign interviews that it didn't matter who won, since the two men have been friends for years.
In the race for four borough council seats, all of the incumbents running, Clarence Deitrick, Stephen Motyka, Bruno R. Varano and Joseph A. Winhofer, ran unopposed on a Democratic slate. Vote totals were Motyka, 294; Winhofer, 251; Varano, 237 and Deitrick, 208. Twelve write-in votes were reported on the Democratic side and 17 on the Republican side.
Write-ins will be judged at a later date to see if anyone secured a Republican nomination.
Linda M. Nolter earned re-election as borough tax collector, earning 318 votes. There were two write-in votes in the Democratic side and none for any Republicans.