Tim Dougherty Wins Morristown Mayor Primary, Faces Former Foe

Update: Esperanza Porras-Field responded to Dougherty's criticism that she ran a negative campaign, saying other groups and organizations raised concerns about Dougherty's "personal issues."

"Dougherty's comments that I ran a negative campaign cannot be further from the truth," Porras-Field said. "The authentic transparency of my campaign at all times is unquestionable. I firmly believe in an open and democratic system and ethical leadership."

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Mayor Tim Dougherty won the Democratic primary and claimed "a resounding victory." With all districts reporting, Dougherty received 1,030 votes to Esperanza Porras-Fields's 350, according to Morris County's tally.

In November, Dougherty will face former Mayor Donald Cresitello, who filed to run as an independent. He and former Council President Michelle Dupree Harris will run under the slogan "Restore Government Integrity," according to Morristown Green.

Cresitello served as mayor from 1977-81 and then 2006-10. Dougherty defeated Cresitello in 2009's primary by nearly a 2-to-1 margin.

"I’ve always said and I always will say people have the right to seek office," Dougherty said. "That doesn’t surprise me. He has run as a Republican and Democrat and now as an independent. The man can change his party affiliation but can never change his past record."

During her campaign, Porras-Fields alleged a lack of transparency from Dougherty's administration.

"That’s a resounding victory, and Morristown rejected my opponent’s negative campaign," Dougherty said Tuesday night.

Porras-Fields's campaign didn't immediately return comment. But in a statement Monday, she thanked everyone who endorsed her campaign.

"You have endorsed a new era in Morristown," Porras-Field said before the election, "one of transparent and open government that seeks to involve all of the citizenry in the pursuit of a better community!"

Dougherty ran on a ticket with three council at large candidates: Council Vice President Toshiba Foster, Council Member David Silva and Nathan Umbriac.

The Morris County clerk must certify the results before they're official. No one filed to run as a Republican for mayor or council.

The General Election takes place Nov. 2.

Return to Patch tonight for the latest vote tally. Subscribe to free News Alerts for election results.

Here are the real-time results for Morristown's elections:

Morristown Mayor

• Tim Dougherty: 1,067
• Esperanza Porras-Field: 350

Morristown Town Council At-Large (three seats up for election)

• Toshiba Foster: 1,169
• David Silva: 1,152
• Nathan Umbriac: 1,105

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