He noted that in 1996 the vacancy rate in Westfield’s downtown was around 22 percent. That rate is close to zero today. The Mayor also cited cleaner streets in town as a result of a restructured Public Works Department. “And we are going to tackle our parking problem as well both for commuters and for downtown shoppers,” Mayor Jardim claimed. Throughout the fundraising event, the theme was to avoid becoming complacent about the November general election. Mayor Jardim, in fact, noted that the town has never experienced the re-election of a Democratic Mayor.
Congressman Speaks at Fundraiser for Mayor
In giving a “pep talk” to Mayor Connelly’s supporters, Congressman Rothman said “anything can happen in politics” and that “good people can win.” He said Mayor Connelly has come forth to be a candidate “in this fishbowls wild system that we have.” Congressman Rothman, a former Mayor of Englewood, said the Mayor’s supporters need to come forward and make campaign contributions to help her take out television and radio advertisements “because she cannot knock on everyone of the 600,000 doors she needs to knock on.”
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BEGINNING CAMPAIGN...Scotch Plains Republican Councilman Robert Johnston is joined by his running mates Paulette Coronato, center, and Gail Iammatteo.
Township GOP Candidates Names Campaign Co-Chairs
SCOTCH PLAINS -Gabe Spera, Scotch Plains Republican Committee Chairman, has announced that Mayor Joan Papen and Deputy Mayor William E. McClintock will serve as CoChairs for Scotch Plains Republican Township Council campaign for three seats. The Republican candidates are incumbent Robert Johnston, a council member since 1993; Gail Iammatteo, Chairwoman of the township Board of Adjustment and Paulette Coronato, also a Board of Adjustment member. “Our candidates bring a wealth of experience and leadership, which makes them a winning team,” said Councilman McClintock. “As Mark McGwire met the challenge of hitting his 62nd home run and making baseball history; our candidates project that same winning attitude as we need to meet the challenges of the 21st century and continue to make Scotch Plains a great place in which to live and to do business.” As a resident of Scotch Plains for 33 years, Councilman Johnston served as Mayor in 1995 and Deputy Mayor in 1994. Mr. Johnston was the former council liaison to the Scotch Plains Recreation Commission, Environmental Commission and township fire department. He was a Scotch Plains Planning Board member for 20 years and Chairman for 13 years. Councilman Johnston has been an active member in recreational activities, including being a former Little League umpire and recreation basketball referee. Councilman Johnston is also a lector at the All
Saints Episcopal Church in Scotch Plains and is the father of three and grandfather of five. Mrs. Iammatteo brings years of business and committee experience to the campaign through her work as Chairwoman on the Board of Adjustment this year and as a board member since 1988. She has served on the Union County Vocational-Technical Schools Board for 10 years where she presided as President from 19921994. She is presently the Deputy Executive Director of the New Jersey Real Estate Commission in Trenton. Mrs. Iammatteo previously owned and operated Johanna’s Bridal Shop in five locations. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Richmond College City University of New York in Staten Island and is the mother of one, grandmother of two. Mrs. Coronato has been a Board of Adjustment member since 1994 and is a former member of the Planning Board and Environmental Commission and Health Advisory Board. Mrs. Coronato has also served as Chairman for the New Jersey State Board of Human Services from 1987 to 1989. She has lived in the township for 21 years and is the mother of four and grandmother of five. “We have a great ticket for Scotch Plains this year,” said Mayor Papen. The Republican Committee will be hosting a fundraising cocktail party on Sunday, September 27. Featured guest will be State Senator Donald T. DiFrancesco. For more information, please call (908) 232-0968.
Township Democrats Favor Live Testing of NJCAAN Plan
SCOTCH PLAINS Franklin P. Donatelli, Tarquin Jay Bromley and Geri Morgan Samuel, Democratic candidates for three seats on the Scotch Plains Township Council, has endorsed the so-called “live testing” recommendations of the New Jersey Coalition Against Aircraft Noise (NJCAAN). Mr. Donatelli, a life-long resident of Scotch Plains, stated, “Air traffic noise pollution has been a serious and long-time problem in Scotch Plains. The efforts of the New Jersey and Scotch Plains anti-air traffic noise organizations are to be applauded.” “Their ongoing, heroic efforts over many years to have aircraft rerouted over the ocean are in the best environmental interests of Scotch Plains and communities throughout the state. All must work together. We need to be wary of falling prey to the NIMBY (Not in My Back Yard) syndrome.” Mr. Bromley added that, “There needs to be rethinking on the Scotch Plains Council. Elected officials need to take the high road and not merely support solutions that only benefit their own community at the expense of their neighbors. This issue needs towns pulling together, not one town trying to dump the problem on the
next. Without such an approach, Scotch Plains is not offered the best possible protection.” Mrs. Morgan Samuel commented that, “The FAA can offer no justification for its apparent stonewalling on the ocean route solution. The hard data is there, thanks to the fact that NJCAAN took it upon itself in 1994 to arrange for a live test over the Atlantic Ocean.” “The FAA can now model any other scenarios by applying the information generated by NJCAAN’s test. The FAA’s obstinence is regrettable and is costly in both time and money.” Mr. Donatelli, Mr. Bromley and Mrs. Morgan Samuel concluded that, if elected to the Scotch Plains Council, they would pledge to make the issue of air traffic noise one of their priorities. “The LeTech software technology offers transparency of ocean routing and other proposals. We agree with the unanimous findings of the Union County Air Traffic Noise Advisory Board — present a united front to compel the FAA to move forward. Preserving the quality of life in Scotch Plains is much more than preserving zoning and open spaces, we also must guard the sky above and the water below,” the candidates stated.
Joe Stoner Holds Fundraiser In Quest for Second Ward Seat
CAMPAIGN KICKOFF...Westfield Democratic Town Council Second Ward candidate Joe Stoner, left, and his wife, Jane, at right, chat with residents Bruce Blumberg and Gwen Jones during a fundraising event hosted by Mr. Blumberg and Ms. Jones on August 30.
WESTFIELD Some 75 neighbors and supporters of Westfield Democratic Second Ward Town Council candidate Joe Stoner turned out on August 30 for a fundraiser to help finance Mr. Stoner’s campaign for office. The event was hosted by Wychwood Road residents Bruce Blumberg and Gwen Jones. The event was the first in a series of fundraisers and informational coffee gatherings scheduled by the Democratic candidate to meet his constituents in preparation for the Tuesday, November 3, election. A 20-year Westfield resident, the candidate said he is seeking office on a platform of accessibility, pro-active vision, and sensitivity to the con
cerns of Second Ward constituents. He is by profession a sales engineer with a scientific instrument company. Mr. Stoner has been active in professional, church and service organizations and served on numerous boards of directors. He was also a leader in the national organization, Common Cause, which promotes ideals of good government and public service. Second Ward residents interested in meeting the candidate may call Campaign Director Carolyn Klinger-Kueter at (908) 233-9094 for further information and a schedule of events during the candidate’s campaign.
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Councilman Goldman Begins Campaign for A Second Term
WESTFIELD Fourth Ward Councilman Lawrence A. Goldman has begun his door-to-door campaign for a second term on the Town Council. “I believe that I have made a positive contribution to Westfield town government during my tenure on the council thus far, and it is gratifying to hear positive feedback as I speak with residents,” Councilman Goldman said. Mr. Goldman was first elected in
Jeanne Whitney for The Westfield Leader and The Times
DEMOCRATS’ PICNIC...Westfield Mayor Thomas C. Jardim gathers with supporters in Tamaques Park in Westfield last Sunday as scheduled – despite storm damage in some parts of the park – to barbecue and chat. The Mayor said he had been visiting residents “door-to-door” over the past several months. Mr. Jardim, the first Democratic Mayor of Westfield since 1912, said, “I think they want to give me the opportunity to finish the job.”
November, 1996 together with Mayor Thomas C. Jardim and Third Ward Councilman John J. Walsh. Since joining the Town Council in January, 1997, Mr. Goldman has served as Chairman of the Council’s Laws and Rules Committee. Under his leadership, the committee proposed and the full council adopted, an exterior property maintenance code, a shade tree ordinance, an ordi
Campaign Forum ’98
Councilman Gruba Begins Quest for Another Term
James J. Gruba
WESTFIELD Westfield Republican Second Ward Councilman James J. Gruba, the veteran member of the governing body, has begun his bid for reelection. He has been on the council since 1992. As Chairman of the Town Council’s Finance Committee, Councilman Gruba oversees the preparation of the annual town budget. As commissioner and former Chairman of the Suburban Municipal Joint Insurance Fund (JIF) the town, he explained,
has saved $1 million since the fund was created. Councilman Gruba is also a Commissioner of the Union County Utilities Authority. He has been a member of the Town Council Committees on Laws and Rules; Building and Town Property; Personnel; Solid Waste; Transportation, Traffic and Parking, and liaison to the Board of Education. Councilman Gruba currently serves as a Trustee of the United Fund of Westfield and has previously served as its President and Campaign Chairman. He is a past President of the Westfield Jaycees and the College Men’s Club of Westfield as well as a past Director of the Westfield “Y.” He is a former Trustee of the Westfield Foundation, and former Vice Chairman of the Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church Parish Council. “Since moving to Westfield in 1967, I have enthusiastically volunteered my time in service to our town’s civic, social, and governmental concerns. I believe my service has helped maintain and enhance the quality of life in our community. “My commitment is to continued service to my fellow Westfielders,” stated Councilman Gruba.
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