GOP wins contested election

The Allentown Borough Council will remain all-Republican next year. In the only local contested race, Republican incumbents Michael Schumacher and Margaret Armenante retained their seats on the governing body.

Democratic challenger Wayne Smith received 448 votes in the Nov. 4 election, while Armenante received 514 votes and Schumacher 586 votes.

Two write-in votes were cast for Abner Robbins, while Jennifer Floyd, Donald Wood Jr., John B. King Jr., Robert W. Johnson and Robert C. Kline each received one write-in vote.

Schumacher, 47, won his sixth term on the council and Armenante, 58, will serve for the fourth time.

Smith, who also ran unsuccessfully for a seat on the Borough Council last year, said he would like to publicly thank all those who supported him, especially his wife, Terri.

"While I did not garner enough votes to win a seat on council, I do not feel that I lost," said Smith. "I am hopeful that each of you has learned a little more about life in our little borough."

Smith said he was surprised at the number of residents who opted not to vote for local candidates when casting ballots in the election.

When asked about his future plans and whether he would run for office again, Smith replied that he plans on taking time to relax and enjoy the upcoming holidays.

Schumacher and Armenante did not respond to calls for comment before press time.