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lesliepearLITTLE FERRY
POLITICAL MAKEUP
MAYOR: Democrat
COUNCIL: Five Democrats, one Republican
AT STAKE:
Three-year mayoral term and two three-year council terms
THE CANDIDATES
MAYOR/REPUBLICAN
Donald Nuckel of River Street, owner of property management company; graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University; member of Colchester Conservancy, a New York land trust; active with Boys & Girls Club of America and Little League.
MAYOR/DEMOCRATIC
Thomas Quirico* of Lamker Court, lawyer, retired police officer, four years as mayor, former councilman, member of Little Ferry Veterans of Foreign Wars, member of American Legion, member of American Disabled Veterans Association.
COUNCIL/REPUBLICAN
Bernard Sobolewski of Eckel Road, self-employed business owner, member of Little Ferry Environmental Commission, member of borough Historical Society, former member of Board of Adjustment.
Philip Convery of Vogt Lane, computer consultant, former member of Board of Education, member of Habitat for Humanity, Little League coach.
COUNCIL/DEMOCRATIC
George Muller* of Seiler Court, financial insurance consultant, former zoning board member, member and former chief of Little Ferry Fire Department, former captain of First Aid Squad, member of American Legion, former assistant Little League coach.
Mauro Raguseo* of Mariani Drive, outreach director for Rep. Steve Rothman, D-Fair Lawn, council president, chairman of Recreation Committee, member of and former religious education teacher at St. Margaret Church.
THE ISSUES
Affordable housing: The Democrats and Republicans differ on how to solve the borough's obligation to accommodate 51 low- and moderate-income dwellings as required by the state Supreme Court's Mount Laurel rulings on affordable housing. Democrats say the borough has already fulfilled the obligation. Republicans say that's not the case. Democrats say Nuckel wants to tear down the two-story apartments he owns and build high-rise towers in part to fulfill what he sees as the remaining obligation. Republicans say Democrats are aiming to designate Nuckel's apartments for redevelopment, and eventually build more upscale high-rises.
Revitalization of the downtown: Democrats say a current $600,000 project to refurbish Main Street is a viable way to attract more businesses and shoppers and add ratables. Republicans say the Main Street project is not enough and favor more emphasis on revitalizing the Hackensack River waterfront with restaurants, hotels, and businesses to spark life in the business community.
Taxes: Democrats say increases in municipal property taxes have remained relatively low and credit that to prudent spending and securing grants for projects. Democrats also said they will continue to lobby the Bergen County Utilities Authority for compensation to offset costs for municipal services it receives for its sewage treatment plant in town. Republicans say a riverfront revitalization project would generate more ratables and help lower property taxes. The GOP has also criticized several borough expenditures, including a pumping station, saying more money could have been saved.
REGISTERED VOTERS
Undeclared: 3,109; Democrats: 831; Republicans 658; independents: 41; Total: 4,639
- John A. Gavin
POLITICAL MAKEUP
MAYOR: Democrat
COUNCIL: Five Democrats, one Republican
AT STAKE:
Three-year mayoral term and two three-year council terms
THE CANDIDATES
MAYOR/REPUBLICAN
Donald Nuckel of River Street, owner of property management company; graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University; member of Colchester Conservancy, a New York land trust; active with Boys & Girls Club of America and Little League.
MAYOR/DEMOCRATIC
Thomas Quirico* of Lamker Court, lawyer, retired police officer, four years as mayor, former councilman, member of Little Ferry Veterans of Foreign Wars, member of American Legion, member of American Disabled Veterans Association.
COUNCIL/REPUBLICAN
Bernard Sobolewski of Eckel Road, self-employed business owner, member of Little Ferry Environmental Commission, member of borough Historical Society, former member of Board of Adjustment.
Philip Convery of Vogt Lane, computer consultant, former member of Board of Education, member of Habitat for Humanity, Little League coach.
COUNCIL/DEMOCRATIC
George Muller* of Seiler Court, financial insurance consultant, former zoning board member, member and former chief of Little Ferry Fire Department, former captain of First Aid Squad, member of American Legion, former assistant Little League coach.
Mauro Raguseo* of Mariani Drive, outreach director for Rep. Steve Rothman, D-Fair Lawn, council president, chairman of Recreation Committee, member of and former religious education teacher at St. Margaret Church.
THE ISSUES
Affordable housing: The Democrats and Republicans differ on how to solve the borough's obligation to accommodate 51 low- and moderate-income dwellings as required by the state Supreme Court's Mount Laurel rulings on affordable housing. Democrats say the borough has already fulfilled the obligation. Republicans say that's not the case. Democrats say Nuckel wants to tear down the two-story apartments he owns and build high-rise towers in part to fulfill what he sees as the remaining obligation. Republicans say Democrats are aiming to designate Nuckel's apartments for redevelopment, and eventually build more upscale high-rises.
Revitalization of the downtown: Democrats say a current $600,000 project to refurbish Main Street is a viable way to attract more businesses and shoppers and add ratables. Republicans say the Main Street project is not enough and favor more emphasis on revitalizing the Hackensack River waterfront with restaurants, hotels, and businesses to spark life in the business community.
Taxes: Democrats say increases in municipal property taxes have remained relatively low and credit that to prudent spending and securing grants for projects. Democrats also said they will continue to lobby the Bergen County Utilities Authority for compensation to offset costs for municipal services it receives for its sewage treatment plant in town. Republicans say a riverfront revitalization project would generate more ratables and help lower property taxes. The GOP has also criticized several borough expenditures, including a pumping station, saying more money could have been saved.
REGISTERED VOTERS
Undeclared: 3,109; Democrats: 831; Republicans 658; independents: 41; Total: 4,639
- John A. Gavin
