Mayor's Race Key in River Edge

Early turnout by voters in River Edge has yielded a division on who should take the top spot in local government - incumbent Mayor Margaret Watkins (R) or the challenger Councilman Sandy Moscaritolo (D).

Watkins has been involved with the governing body for the past 22 years beginning as a Councilwoman in 1989 and then as Mayor since 1999.

With a bachelor's and master's degrees in education, she is certified to teach high school in New York City and New York State, in biology and mathematics. She currently works as a consultant to the Lehman College MTTI program, and also adjunct professor, and supervisor of student teachers at New York City high schools.

The first "E" license coach in the River Dell Soccer Association, she actively coached soccer for years, along with teaching CCD at .

"Today I voted for Peg Watkins," Barbara said outside of . "I've known her for many years and she does well by River Edge. She cares for the town."

On the other hand is who came to the council in December to serve the remaining one-year term following .

A municipal law attorney, he joined the council after spending many years working for the Borough of New Milford as their Municipal Prosecutor, Municipal Court Judge, Borough Attorney, and member of their Board of Education before coming to River Edge.

He received a law degree from the University of Bridgeport and his law practice is located in town. Moscaritolo has also served the Bergen County District Ethics Committee (investigating allegations of attorney ethics violations), and lectured for the NJ Bar Association and the Citizen's Police Academy.

"I hope by tonight River Edge has a new mayor," said one resident outside of Cherry Hill who declined to be named. "It could not come soon enough."

Polls will be open until 8pm at and .