A Franklin Park primary candidate has accused a sitting council member of punching her in the arm Tuesday outside the polls.

During a public meeting last night, Rose Randolph, who appears to have lost the Republican bid for the borough's second ward council seat, accused Councilman Dick Hartman of hitting her while they were outside of the Franklin Park Volunteer Fire Department on Rochester Road.

Ms. Randolph alleges Mr. Hartman and her primary challenger Councilwoman Jane Hopey approached her outside the polls in an overbearing manner. Ms. Randolph said Mr. Hartman screamed, waved a paper in her face and then punched her in the arm.

Borough Police Chief Donald Dorsch confirmed to council that Ms. Randolph filed a complaint yesterday with his department against Mr. Hartman. He said he would not comment further on an active police investigation.

Max Junker, Franklin Park's solicitor, advised council members to refrain from commenting on the incident because of the ongoing police investigation.

Mr. Hartman, who has represented the borough's second ward since 1999, said after the public meeting that he will follow Mr. Junker's advice and save his comments for a more appropriate time.