NORTHFIELD — Incumbent Erland Chau defeated challenger Bob Zlotnick on Nov. 7 in the Northfield mayoral race with 1,282 votes to 935, or 58 percent to 42 percent.
Meanwhile, Ward I incumbent David Notaro defeated community activist Joan Brennan by almost an identical margin, collecting 586 votes to 439, or 57 percent to 43 percent.
City Council President Tom Polistina won re-election unopposed to his Ward II seat.
Chau has been a resident in Northfield for 60 years and has been involved in the local government for more than three decades. The former science teacher at Mainland Regional High School was a city councilman for 23 years and has served nine years as mayor. He also served on the Northfield Zoning Board and Northfield Board of Education for four years each.
Chau, 71, earned a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from Jacksonville University, his New Jersey teaching certificate from Glassboro State College (now Rowan University) and a master’s degree in education from Mary Grove College in Detroit, Mich. In addition , he has taken graduate-level course at several institutions.
In addition, Chau is a member and former president of the Atlantic County League of Municipalities for 28 years and a member of the Atlantic County Mayors Association for nine years.
Chau also served on the New Jersey Education Association’s Atlantic County Council of Education Associations.
He currently serves as a NJSIAA high school sports official and has been an active member of the Northfield Volunteer Fire for 49 years.
Notaro, 53, a self-employed builder and landscaper who owns Notaro Construction and Landscaping, and his wife, Belinda, have a son and two daughters.
The 1989 graduate of Mainland Regional High School was a councilman from 2006-08 before being elected again in 2020. He previously served on the Planning Board as well.
Notaro, who studied at Atlantic Cape Community College, said he currently is working with the engineer and the Public Works Department to “optimize taxpayer savings by enhancing sewer infrastructure.”
He said he is prioritizing public safety and cost-consciousness in partnerships with EMS, fire and police departments.
Over his tenure, he said he has implemented several enhancements to city parks and fields, elevating the recreational experience.
Notaro said he also supports the needs of city children and volunteers who are active in directing local sports programs.
School board
Stephen F. Funk and Kinjal Patel won seats on the Mainland Regional High School Board of Education representing Northfield, collecting 1,184 and 996 votes, respectively. Evelyn Perez was third for the two seats with 941 votes.
Christopher Kennedy, Ruben Garrido and Kelly Geary won seats unopposed on the Northfield Board of Education.
By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff