The Hamilton GOP held their nominating convention on Monday and one familiar face who was instrumental in the resurgence of the party was not one of the nominees, Dave Kenny.

12 year Councilman, Kenny decided not to seek re-election in the upcoming race this November.

“It has been a distinct honor and privilege to serve this great community, I just thought it was time to let someone else have an opportunity,” Kenny said

Kenny was elected to Council in 2005 along with Dennis Pone and Tom Goodwin when the Republicans began the second wave of a GOP political dynasty in the Township, following the 24 year run of former Hamilton Mayor Jack Rafferty.  Rafferty and his Republican counter-parts on council controlled Greenwood Avenue for nearly three decades until the election of Glen Gilmore in 1999.  The Democrats run would last only 6 years.

Kenny will be replaced on the ballot by Gino Melone.

Former Trenton Councilman Gino Melone will join the Republican ticket this fall

“I look forward to the challenge, and I look forward to serving the township of Hamilton,” Melone said.

Melone served on the Trenton City Council for 16 years, first as an at-large representative and then as the council’s East Ward member.

He joins current council members Dennis Pone and recently appointed Dina Thornton, who replace Ed Gore earlier in the month.

Pone is the lone remaining original member of the trio which took control of the council over a decade ago.

Republicans Dennis Pone, Gino Melone and Dina Thornton will take on Democrat slate of Anthony Carabelli Jr., Rick Tighe and Jeff Martin.