Keyport?s mayor-elect spoke about his plans Wednesday as he prepares to take the reigns of the community plagued with controversy.

Democrat Rob Bergen narrowly defeated Republican Harry Aumack on Election Day. Bergen will take over for Mayor John Merla in January. Mayor Merla plans to finish out his four-year term while facing federal corruption charges for allegedly taking a bribe.

Bergen says he hopes to end a chapter of controversy and start a new chapter in Keyport. The mayor-elect says he has plans to restore the borough?s image with waterfront improvements and by enforcing laws to keep properties well maintained. Meanwhile, Mayor Merla?s term ends on December 31. His trial is postponed until December 12.