Defeated in her LD14 state senate bid in November, a localized Hamilton Councilwoman Illeana Schirmer abstained on ratifying Councilman Anthony Carabelli, Jr. as the governing body’s new council president earlier today.

Carabelli and his two running mates swept in November, marginalizing Schirmer and giving Democrats control of the Mercer County town still overseen by Republican Mayor Kelly Yaede.

A Democrat seethed quietly over Schirmer’s rationale for resisting Carabelli’s empowerment to the leadership position just weeks after his election to the council.

“Telling a long-time Trenton and Mercer County economic director that he didn’t have experience,” the source said. “He is more than qualified.”

Notwithstanding Schirmer’s objection, a standing ovation greeted Carabelli’s selection as council president.