GOP Replaces Candidate on November's Council Ballot

November's town council election has been shaken up as Allan Feid Jr. will replace Raymond Leibman on the GOP ticket.

The Livingston Republican Organization announced late Thursday night that Feid, a 53 year old plumbing contractor, will team with Charles Granata as the party looks to seek the majority on Livingston's town council.  Granata and Feid are .

"I am very pleased to have this opportunity to run for public office and to help the people of Livingston," Feid said in a statement. "My experience in dealing with the town as a contractor and securing permits for homeowners and businesses tells me that the town can do a much better job  dealing with both residents and business people.

Feid is the owner of , a family owned business started in 1955.  Feid was born in Livingston and lived in town until he was nine years old.  He moved back to town in 2003 from East Hanover.

Feid is a former president of the New Jersey Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors Association and he is a member of the New Jersey Plumbing Inspector's Association.  He is also a past president of the Livingston Rotary Club and has been a member of Rotary International since 1986.

"One of my goals as councilman would be to create a more consumer-friendly town administration that respects the  public and the people who invest in this community, said Feid.

Despite winning the GOP primary in May, Leibman recently sold his house in Livingston and is moving to a nearby community, according to a release by the Livingston Republican Organization.

"I believe that Allan, as a business owner, family man and taxpayer offers some unique insights and  perspective to running a town and I am very proud to have him as my teammate," Granata said in a statement.

The candidates are looking to fill the seats of Mayor Stephen Santola and Councilman Gary Schneiderman, both of whom decided not to seek re-election after several years of service.