June 10, 2022
The quiet primary season in New Brunswick has passed as all the partisan races were uncontested. And, as we move toward the general election in November, only the mayoral race will see a contest.
On Tuesday, June 7, Jim Cahill, who has served as mayor for the past 31 years, as well as the Democratic council contenders went uncontested. Republican mayoral candidate Maria C. Powell also ran unopposed for her nomination. No one was on the ballot seeking the GOP nominations for council, though there were five write-in votes, none receiving the required number needed to get on the ballot.
Joining the mayoral race on Tuesday is independent Charlie Kratovil, who announced his candidacy yesterday, on June 7, which is the deadline for independent candidates to submit their petitions to appear on the general election ballot.
Since the 2018 election, which Cahill won with 77% of the 6,800 or so votes cast, Cahill has guided the city through a health crisis (COVID-19), a natural disaster (the remnants of Hurricane Ida) and an array of economic challenges.
Even as taxes have remained flat or have taken a small decrease in the past few years, the city has moved forward with a number of development projects that continue to reshape the city. The $172 million New Brunswick Performing Arts Center opened in 2019, and work has begun on the $665 million Health and Technology Hub, The Valenti Community School and the Jack and Sheryl Morris Cancer Hospital.
