EMERSON, N.J.—Republican Mayor Danielle DiPaola is making her case for a third term, against Democratic challenger Joseph Solimando, III in the Nov. 3 municipal election. Two Borough Council seats also are at stake.
DiPaola is running with incumbent Republican council members Michael Timmerman and Ashley Rice. Solimando heads a Democratic ticket with council candidates Julia Guttilla and Venessa Manzano.
The contest comes as Emerson continues to grapple with redevelopment, municipal spending and questions about the borough’s future growth.
Among the projects drawing attention is Citizen Emerson Station, a long-awaited, 147-unit mixed-use development downtown that has been in progress since late 2018, displaced the ambulance corps headquarters with the promise of a new HQ not materialized, and has been the subject of litigation and delays.
DiPaola, then a councilwoman, was the only member of the previous governing body to vote against the Citizen Emerson Station project, raising concerns about its scale and potential disruption to downtown businesses. She bested Democratic Mayor Louis Lamatina for the gavel in part on a pledge to fight “overdevelopment”
In September, borough officials also rejected a proposal for a 122-unit, 2 1/2-story assisted living complex at the former Armenian Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center property on Main Street.
Both tickets identify development and preservation of Emerson’s character among their priorities, though their campaign materials emphasize different approaches to municipal leadership and services.
DiPaola has indicated she might challenge Solimando to a debate, but no arrangements had been announced at press time.
Democratic challengers
Running as Team Solimando, the Democratic candidates have outlined six priorities: stopping what they call reckless overdevelopment; improving government transparency and communication; expanding senior services and special needs programming; reducing wasteful spending; encouraging civility and professionalism in local government; and prioritizing public safety and community engagement.
“We will protect Emerson from reckless overdevelopment while preserving our community’s character and quality of life,” the campaign states.
On transparency, the candidates pledge: “We will keep residents informed with clear, timely communication and greater transparency from their elected officials.”
The campaign’s published platform does not specify which development proposals the candidates would oppose or identify particular spending reductions.
Solimando, a lifelong Emerson resident whose family roots in the borough span generations, said his decision to run reflects his commitment to the community where he grew up and is raising his family.
“I chose to stay, build my life here, and raise my own family in the town that shaped me. I’ve dedicated my life to serving others and giving back to the community that has given so much to my family,” he said.
Solimando has worked for the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office for more than 15 years and currently serves as a detective in its Fugitive Unit.
He describes his law enforcement career as grounded in “integrity, accountability and protecting our communities.”
In a campaign statement posted on Facebook, Solimando said Emerson “deserves experienced, honest and dedicated leadership.”
“As a husband, father, law enforcement professional and neighbor, I am committed to preserving the character of our community while working to build a safer and stronger future for every resident,” he said.
Guttilla, a council candidate, moved to Emerson with her parents when she was 3. Her parents still live in the family home, and she returned to the borough with her husband and two children in 2022.
A history teacher for more than 20 years, Guttilla currently teaches at Bergenfield High School. She has served on union contract negotiations and government relations committees and says she hopes to bring a collaborative approach to borough government.
Manzano has lived in Emerson for more than 13 years with her husband and three children. She has worked in fundraising at a New York academic research institution for more than 15 years.
Her community involvement includes PTA activities, co-leading a Girl Scout troop and volunteering with her children’s sports teams and music and theater groups.
The Democratic campaign’s materials are available on Facebook at Joey Julia and Venessa for Emerson 2026 and on Instagram at @joeyjuliavenessaforemerson2026.
Republican incumbents
DiPaola, Emerson’s first female mayor, was elected in 2018 and reelected in 2022. A lifelong resident and local small-business owner for 31 years, she previously served three terms on the Borough Council.
She was appointed to the council in September 2010 and subsequently won election that year and again in 2013 and 2016.
Her municipal service began with the Environmental Commission, on which she served from 2007 to 2010. Over the years, she has held numerous committee and liaison assignments involving municipal finance, public works, recreation, health, historic preservation, land use and other borough functions.
She also has served as a Community Development Block Grant representative and insurance fund commissioner.
DiPaola said her experience and record of leadership position her to maintain municipal services while protecting Emerson’s character.
“Every decision I make is guided by what is best for our entire community. My love for Emerson is at the heart of everything I do. I care deeply about our residents and preserving the small town character that makes Emerson so special,” she said.
“Experience matters. Continuity matters. And our future matters and I am asking for the opportunity to continue the hard work we have started and ensure Emerson remains the safe, fiscally responsible, thriving community we know for generations to come.”
Timmerman, a 14-year resident, is seeking another term after six years on the council. He previously served two years on the Land Use Board.
He chairs the council’s Finance Committee and serves on its Appropriate Authority and Litigation Committee. He previously served on the Buildings and Grounds Committee.
A husband and father of two, Timmerman coaches eight recreational and travel teams across five sports. Professionally, he is general manager of a New York City hotel.
Rice, the current council president, has served four years on the governing body and has lived in Emerson for seven years.
She served two years on the Environmental Commission and has volunteered as a recreation coach, Daisy troop leader and teacher in Assumption Church’s toddler program.
Rice also volunteers with the PTA and serves as council liaison to the local Board of Education. Her previous liaison assignments include the library and Chamber of Commerce.
She is the mother of four children and is expecting a fifth this winter.
Incumbents on continuity
The Republican ticket is campaigning on its record in office and a platform emphasizing municipal services, recreation, responsible spending, economic development and continuity in government.
Its five campaign themes include building on past accomplishments, expanding services, making responsible investments, managing development and providing experienced leadership.
“We have expanded recreation programming, introduced new sports opportunities, and grown the municipal events that bring our community together.
“With a major park overhaul about to begin, we will continue investing in the places where families connect,” the incumbents state.
Their plans for another term include expanding cultural programming for adults and children, introducing a monthly digital newsletter called This Month in Emerson, and simplifying online registration and access to municipal information.
On development, the incumbents say growth must be balanced against preservation of the borough’s character.
“Growth and development must balance opportunity with the character of our community. We are pleased to see New Concepts for Living’s new residence completed and our veterans housing project moving forward.”
The Republican ticket also proposes creating an Economic Advisory Committee to help retain existing businesses, attract new ones and strengthen the local economy. The incumbents’ campaign materials are available on Facebook at DiPaola, Timmerman & Rice 2026.
Voters will choose one mayor and two council members in the Nov. 3 election.