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At the campaign party for Lou Manzo’s slate, held at Puccini’s on West Side Avenue, the mood was somber for some and hopeful for others. At one point last night, it was looking like At-Large candidates Joseph Cassidy, Betty Outlaw and Lori Serrano might make a runoff for their seats, although it later became clear that wasn’t to be. Ward A candidate Rolando Lavarro and Ward F candidate Ron-Calvin Clark were each in a good position to make runoffs for their seats, but were both neck-and-neck with their closest opponents. The remainder of the Manzo ticket fell short of a runoff: Ward B candidate Arthur Williams, Ward C hopeful Jimmy King, Ward D challenger James Carroll and Ward E long-shot Joe Tarrazi.

All the candidates except for King had made an appearance at the party by 11 pm, and many stated that low voter turnout worked to the detriment of the ticket’s chances. Manzo’s campaign manager Sean Connolly said he was “astonished” that so many people “stayed home.” Manzo attributed the low turnout to “voter apathy,” a sentiment echoed by Williams when he said that “people are tired of the same old business as usual.”

Manzo appeared disappointed by the loss, but said he was “not deterred.” Referring to the candidates who may have made it to runoffs, he said he is hopeful that “we’ll have a more independent council” in four weeks’ time.

Serrano arrived at the restaurant late, after a long day of campaigning. Saying she was “very emotional,” she exuded pride when she talked about what she called “a ticket with a conscience.” Outlaw was disappointed by the results. “I was really looking forward for [Manzo] to have this opportunity to serve the people of Jersey City,” she said. Cassidy echoed her disappointment, quipping that “money wins elections.”

Lavarro took a cautious tone, noting that independent challenger Andre Richardson was very close to his second-place position. Regardless of the result, he said that the fact that incumbent councilman Michael Sottolano did not win on the first ballot showed that “we desperately need change in this city.”

Clark was similarly cautious about his own close race, couching his remarks in the “contingency” that he should make the runoff. He emphasized that his primary goal in running against Ward F incumbent Viola Richardson was “to put a new person in office,” and reiterated his pledge to support any candidate who makes it to a runoff.

Those who knew their races were over did not let the agony of defeat get the better of them. Carroll said he had heard reports of a large number of provisional ballots that were discounted in Ward D and stated he intends to investigate the matter. Williams congratulated his opponents, calling them a “fine group of gentlemen” and wishing victor Phil Kenny good luck. Williams stated he “absolutely” intends to run for the seat again in 2013. First-time candidate Tarrazi said the campaign had been a “good experience” for him.

Among the slate’s volunteers who attended the dinner, the mood was somewhat more bitter. Saying he was “totally disappointed,” Darrell Laval called the low voter turnout a “disgrace.” Renee Martain had similar sentiments, saying the turnout showed “a total lack of community responsibility.”

There was hope in the room, however. Ludy Corrales said she was very happy to hear about fellow Filipino-American Lavarro’s shot at the runoff. Whether or not he makes it, though, she feels that the mere fact of Lavarro’s candidacy is history in the making. “We have to celebrate, especially if he makes it to the runoff,” she said.