Voters returned Republican incumbent Dottie Reynolds to Barnegat Light Borough Council for the 38th year, in suspense that did not end until election night due to the rare event of a write-in candidate capturing such a high number of votes.

The town Republican Club had instead endorsed an active but first-time challenger for the seat, Timothy Brindley, in a race that pitted variant opinions on future bayfront development. Meanwhile, top vote-getter for the two seats was incumbent Mary Ellen Foley, also endorsed by the Republican Club.

Reynolds, 87, chair of the Beaches and Parks Committee, has been on council since 1985.