Democrats Take Control Of Bridgewater Council, 1st Time In Almost 40 Years

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — For the first time in almost 40 years, Democrats have taken charge of the Bridgewater Township Council.

"A year ago, if you had asked me what I wanted to be doing today, I would’ve said climbing a mountain on the Appalachian Trail with my husband, Tom. Instead, I stand here as Bridgewater’s Council President, the second most powerful and important elected official in this town of 46,000 people," said Joan Geiger.

"The thought that not one, not two, but three democrats could be serving on our council after none had served for 37 years seemed impossible a year ago," said Geiger. "B.I.G. Bucko, Isla and Geiger are now the face of change in Bridgewater, literally and figuratively."

During the reorganization meeting on Monday night, Joan Geiger, Andrew Bucko, and Ridwana Isla were sworn into office.

The Council unanimously selected Geiger as the Council President and Bucko as Council Vice President.

"As your newly elected council president, I will give you my best, try my hardest, and always bear in mind the BIG things - pun intended - Bridgewater needs," said Geiger.

"Today marks a new beginning for the people of Bridgewater. We now have a new council that better reflects the residents of our town. But you should expect more from your local government than just a new look on your council," said Bucko. "You should expect a government that is transparent, deliberation, and decision-making should be open to the public. And one shouldn’t need to file Open Records Requests to see the details of how the township spends your money. You should expect the government that operates in a timely manner. Previous years' budgets have been months late. We will expect the administration delivers their budget on time as required by state law. You should also expect that we will be here holding our scheduled meetings when we say we will. No longer will we cancel meetings to hide from the public when the political heat is on us."

In the November election, Geiger received 10,609 votes, Bucko received 10,352 votes, and Isla received 10,171 votes over Republicans Allen Kurdyla with 9,119 votes, Filipe Pedroso with 8,921 votes, and Meghan Moench with 8,567 votes.

Isla serves as the first South Asian and first Muslim to be elected to the Township Council.

"Tonight I stand before you as a proud representative of Bridgewater’s diversity. The first South Asian, the first Muslim on this council. As well - a fun fact - I am one of the only five Bangladeshi American women in the whole United States that have been elected," said Isla. "While I might be breaking barriers, I do stand committed to all of you and serving every single resident of this town."

Republicans have previously remained in control of the Bridgewater Township Council for the past 37 years.

"To our new council colleagues, Joan, Andrew, and Ridwana, along with your family and supporters, I offer sincere congratulations on this accomplishment," said Councilman Michael Kirsh. "At the final council meeting of 2025, I noted that one of the things I cherished most about being on council is the building of relationships within this fraternity that is responsible for leading what we affectionately term the Bridgewater family."

"If we succeed together, Bridgewater succeeds," said Councilman Timothy Ring, who congratulated Geiger, Bucko, and Isla.

Mayor Matthew Moench noted that the reorganization meeting served as a night to celebrate "new beginnings."

"I want to congratulate all the new members on the dais. Thank you so much for stepping up and serving, and thank you for your comments today," said Moench."

Appointments to the Township committees will be selected at the Thursday, Jan. 8 Council meeting.

School Board

The Bridgewater-Raritan Board of Education will also be holding its reorganization meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 6 at 7 p.m. at the Harmon V. Wade Administration Building, 836 Newmans Lane, Bridgewater.

Incumbent Steven Singer, along with Lanfang "Lucy" Li and newcomer James Maloney, will be sworn into office at the meeting.

Singer Li and Maloney claimed victories in the November election over Emily Calistri, Ketrin Maxwell, Deanna Nye, and Kim Fajardo.

During the meeting, the Board will select a new Board President and Vice President.

See the full reorganization meeting agenda below:

2026.01.06 Reorg Agenda Draft by Alexis Tarrazi

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