Republicans still seek candidate

HOWELL — Republican Party officials are still seeking a Township Council candidate to round out their 2008 slate.

Republican Russell Bohlin will be running against independent Councilman Robert Walsh for the mayoral seat in the November general election.

The mayor's term is for four years. RepublicanMayor Joseph DiBella is not seeking re-election.

There is also a four-year council term up for grabs. Republican Councilwoman Cynthia Schomaker is not seeking re-election.

During the primary season earlier this year, the Republicans said Paul Schneider would run for the council seat on a ticket with Bohlin. Schneider later dropped out of the race, leaving Republicans to fill an open space.

John Costigan, Howell's Republican municipal chairman, told the Tri-Town News on Monday, "We are currently holding screenings for potential candidates. I can't name names at this point, but I can say it is a fluid situation."

Costigan said the situation regarding the ticket may become clearer by the end of the week.

An official in the Monmouth County Clerk of Elections office said Howell Republican officials have until Sept. 17 to submit a candidate's name so that it may appear on the November ballot.

Susan Schroeder Clark is running for the council seat on the independent ticket with Walsh. No Democrats filed to run for mayor or council.

— Toynett Hall