The Hamilton Township Council voted on Friday, to appoint Dina Thornton to fill the remaining term of Ed Gore.

Gore resigned early in the month and was named to Public Defender.

Thornton, 45, has lived in Hamilton for 11 years and is a hairstylist at Salon Cusato and a sales associate with Weidel Real Estate. She has three children, all attending Hamilton Township schools and is married to a Hamilton Twp Police Officer.

Thornton served on the school board for four years until losing her bid for re-election in 2016.

The Hamilton Republican Committee screened a total of 11 candidates and narrowed their choice down to three to be interviewed at the public meeting.

Among the three were former Trenton Councilman Gino Malone and current School Board member and advocate Richard Kanka.

Malone served 16 years in Trenton on Council in the East Ward before moving to Hamilton 4 years ago.

Kanka, 65 is a member of Local 9 Plumbers and Pipefitters and has served on the Hamilton School Board for 9 years.

The questions during the interviewed ranged from what do you feel is the most pressing issue facing the township, to what are your accomplishments that you are most proud of.

After all 3 were interviewed, the council took a short recess to executive session and then returned and rendered their decision for Thornton.

“I am so amazed and proud of the quality of people that have stepped up to serve.  I would be honored to serve with any of you because you are all so qualified”, explained Hamilton Council President Dennis Pone.

Councilwoman Ileana Schirmer added, “I know what its like to be in your shoes, I was in your exact spot three years ago.  What all three of you have you done, coming before us because you want to serve your community is special and I mean that.  It doesn’t matter what party your from, if your a Democrat or Republican, serving the residents of this community is an honor and I applaud all of you.”

The choice of Thornton was praised by residents that attended the meeting including Dr. Susan Ferrara and Christopher Scales both serving on the school board.

After her selection, Mrs. Thornton thanked the members of the council along with Gino Melone and Richard Kanka for their support.

“I am honored to have been chosen and pledge to work hard in the best interest of the residents of this great town”, she added

Thornton will serve out the remaining 7 months of Gore’s Term which expires this year.

The balance of power hangs for the Hamilton Council in this year’s election as there are three of the five seats up for grab.

Councilman Dennis Pone and David Kenny are the other council members whose seats expire this year.

Both the Hamilton Republican’s and Democrats will convene later this month to nominate candidates to run in the November election.