PARAMUS – If Bob Kugler was amenable, they would start counting the votes of committee members now instead of waiting until 8 p.m., Bergen County Democratic Committee Chairman Lou Stelalto wanted to know.

Kugler looked wary at first.

He’s expected to lose tonight to former Englewood Police Det. Sgt. Anthony Cureton for the party nomination of Bergen County sheriff.

“We’;; just start counting now but we won’t close down voting until 8,” Stellato said.

That seemed ok by Kugler.

So sidling up to a makeshift roundtable, Stellato grabbed a box with votes inside, sliced off the top and began counting, with Kugler at his shoulder observing.