Bruno has been elected president of the National College of Probate Judges and will officially take office during a Nov. 11 ceremony in Washington, D.C.
Frank Bruno (Courtesy of Frank Bruno campaign)SOMERSET COUNTY -- Somerset County Surrogate Frank G. Bruno was concerned that he might have one the shortest tenures in the history of Washington politics as president of the National College of Probate Judges if he didn't win re-election.
Last month, Bruno was elected to the post by his peers.Tuesday night, Bruno, an incumbent Republican, was able to breathe a sigh of relief as he defeated Democrat Christian Mastondrea.
Based on the unofficial results, Bruno finished with 24,292 votes compared to 18,187 for Mastondrea to win the election and a five-year term. He'll officially accept his new post as President of the National College of Probate Judges at a Nov. 11 ceremony in Washington, D.C.
"I'm humbled by the victory," said Bruno. "I'm certainly excited about going to Washington. It'll be an honor to represent Somerset County and New Jersey."
In the Freeholder's race, incumbent Republicans Patrick Scaglione (23,429 votes) and Mark Caliguire (22,923 votes) beat back challenges from Democrats Patrick O'Connell (18,977 votes) and Brian Regan (18,886 votes) for a three-year terms on the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders.
The Republicans continued their control of the Board of Chosen Freeholders, holding onto all five seats.
"The Republican Freeholders in Somerset County have won for a long time and continue to win," said Caliguire. "I think we do a wonderful job in being the steward of the tax money entrusted to us."
RELATED: Complete NJ election coverage
Caliguire, the former mayor of Montgomery Township, has been a freeholder since December 2011. Scaglione, a Bridgewater resident, has been a member of the board since January, 2010.
"Obviously, we're very pleased that the people of Somerset County think we're doing a good job," said Scaglione. "We're very proud of the county and want to keep it moving in the right direction. We're thankful for three more years.
"As Republicans, we're not worried about doing things for political reasons. We just run good government and keep taxes responsible and under control. We've cut spending to below 2008 levels while maintaining all our excellent services."
Bruno has served as Surrogate in the Somerset County Surrogate's Court since January 2001. A U.S. Navy veteran, he retired in 2000 after 35 years with Union Carbide Corp. in Piscataway.
"As a Surrogate, I'm certainly proud of my office," said Bruno, who served on the Bound Brook Borough Council from 1992 to 2000 and as Council President from 1994 to 1998. "We try to exercise compassion for our residents."
The National College of Probate Judges is the leading educational organization of its kind regarding the rules of probate law throughout the United States. The college provides a wide range of educational sessions regarding sensitive issues affecting minors, the elderly and adults with intellectual disabilities, and also provides guidance in estates and trusts.
Dave Hutchinson may be reached at dhutchinson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DHutch_SL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
