Summit Election Day Guide

• Mike McTernan 1st Ward Republican (Unopposed)
• Sandra Lizza 2nd Ward Republican
• Mike Vernotico 2nd Ward Democrat
• Gregory Drummond Councilman-at-Large Republican (Unopposed)

During the past month, letters to the editor in support of both Ward II candidates, where Summit's only contested race is taking place, have poured in. 

Sandra Lizza, an 18-year Summit resident, has been active in the community, volunteering her time within the school district as well as the Summit Historic Preservation Commission, Summit  Area Public Foundation, and Summit Supports Our Troops and Scouts. With nearly a quarter-century career in finance, planning and process management, some residents have said Lizza's experience is exactly what Summit needs in the face of Merck's departure. The mother of two also won the endorsement of Summit Mayor Ellen Dickson.

Letters in support for Lizza, who said Summit is ready for a new 'Sandy' this fall, are as follows: 

Residents Endorse Lizza for Common Council Ward II

Candidate Wants to See a Different 'Sandy' Storm Through Summit This Fall

Councilman Endorses Sandra Lizza

'No Proposed Cuts in Public Safety,' Chair of Public Safety Says

'Lizza Will Focus on Business, Not Polemics,' Resident Says

'It's Time for Fresh New Voices on Summit's City Council,' Resident Says

'Lizza and McTernan: Worthy Successors,' Councilman Says

Lizza Has 'Skill, Foresight' to Serve on Common Council, Residents Say

Lizza Has Best Interest of Summit at Heart, Residents Say

Councilman Bomgaars Endorses Lizza as His Replacement

Lizza is the Best Choice for Summit Council, Resident Says

Council President Endorses Candidates Drummond, McTernan and Lizza

Vernotico, a lifelong Summit resident and real estate developer who previously served on the Common Council, has been vocal about fixing what he deems 'Summit's $800,000 taxpayer error,' referring to the paid parking lots on Deforest Avenue. The Democrat has also urged the Council to act swiftly in terms of changing zoning laws in order to attract a new buyer to the 88-acre Merck site rather than risk it sitting idle while waiting for a lone buyer to emerge.

Letters in support of his campaign, as well as those he has written, are as follows: 

Summit Needs Creative Solutions, Council Candidate Says

Former Opponent Endorses Vernotico for Council

'I Love Summit,' Common Council Candidate Says

Summit Needs New Sources of Revenue, Council Candidate Says

Vernotico Wants to Improve Quality of Life in Summit, Resident Says

Merck’s Departure Will Impact Taxes, Council Candidate Says

Letter: Vernotico 'Devoted' to Summit, Says Spouse

Check back with Patch this evening for complete election results.