HILLSDALE, N.J.—The debate over how best to improve vital cellular service on the borough’s east side has emerged as a key issue in the Nov. 3 Borough Council election. The two Republican and two Democratic candidates are dialing in different approaches to closing coverage gaps.
Republican Council President Clemente Osso is seeking reelection alongside newcomer Danielle D. Ganter. They face Democratic challengers Dena Toms and Gabriella Ianni for two council seats.
Councilman and former Mayor John Ruocco, whose term expires this year, is not seeking reelection.
The debate follows an April 14 council vote rejecting, 4-2, a resolution authorizing a 25-year lease with Verizon to construct a 130-foot cell tower at Stonybrook Swim Club.
Republicans Osso, Ruocco, Robert Colletti Jr., and Anthony DeRosa voted against the lease. Democrats Christopher Camp and Melissa Mazza-Chiong supported it.
At the time, Osso argued that a tower was incompatible with the community- and family-oriented swim club and “poses an unnecessary risk to public safety.”
He also raised concerns about reduced parking, saying the facility had 210 spaces but could attract more than 250 vehicles on busy days.
Osso advocated alternatives, including small-cell technology or an outdoor distributed antenna system, known as ODAS, to address coverage gaps. He cited third-party experts who considered such options viable and pointed to their use in Cliffside Park and Fort Lee.
He called on Verizon to work with the borough toward a solution “that serves their interests without dividing our community or negatively impacting our residents.”
As part of its election coverage, Pascack Press asked all four candidates how they would improve cellular coverage following the rejection of the Stonybrook proposal.
Democrats favor reconsidering Stonybrook
Toms and Ianni, responding jointly, said reliable cellular coverage is essential to public safety, particularly during power outages and severe weather.
“Reliable cellular coverage is a public safety issue, not just a convenience. This summer’s storms left portions of Hillsdale without power, reinforcing the importance of reliable communication, particularly during emergencies,” Toms and Ianni said.
They said the Stonybrook proposal offered a practical solution without requiring the borough to finance construction.
“We supported the Stonybrook proposal because it offered a viable, carrier-backed solution without taxpayer-funded construction, while also generating revenue for Hillsdale. We respect the concerns raised by some residents. The Borough has gathered valuable information from telecom experts and explored potential alternatives, and we believe that work provides a strong foundation for moving forward,” Toms and Ianni said.
They added, “The Council should revisit the Stonybrook proposal alongside any other technically and financially viable solutions. Our priority should be finding a practical, lasting solution that improves coverage for residents.”
Their campaign literature also identifies improved cellular coverage as a priority, particularly in areas where unreliable service could affect emergency communications.
Other priorities include addressing flooding, revitalizing downtown, managing deer overpopulation and maintaining fiscal responsibility.
Under flooding, their campaign literature calls for finding solutions to a problem that has caused significant property damage and stress for residents.
On deer overpopulation, the candidates advocate discussing and implementing responsible solutions to address vehicle collisions, disease concerns and other impacts.
On taxes, their campaign materials emphasize attracting businesses and expanding commercial revenue to offset the residential tax burden, citing The Piermont and a new storage facility as examples of development that could help generate revenue.
Their campaign describes its approach as “Clear issues. Specific next steps. Measurable follow-through.”
Toms says she brings 25 years of experience in marketing and human resources and served as chief people officer for a global communications firm. She is active in youth sports and community organizations and has three children attending local schools.
Ianni boasts 23 years’ experience in global marketing, served as vice president of global catalog marketing and strategy for a major record label, is active in local schools and youth sports, and and has three children at local schools. Visit facebook.com/ianni.toms.hillsdale
Republicans propose independent review
Osso and Ganter, also responding jointly, said they recognize the need for improved cellular service but oppose committing to a particular site or technology before examining alternatives.
“Our objective is reliable coverage without prematurely committing to a single solution. Reliable cellular service is essential for residents, businesses, and emergency response. We recognize the coverage gaps affecting Hillsdale, particularly the east side of town, and are committed to finding responsible, effective solutions. While we opposed the proposed 130-foot tower at Stonybrook Swim Club, we firmly believe rejecting one proposal does not eliminate our responsibility to address the problem,” Osso and Ganter said.
They said the original process was driven by Verizon and did not adequately consider alternative technologies.
They propose forming a bipartisan committee to study the issue and issue a public report within 90 days. They also call for an independent evaluation of carrier coverage, alternative tower locations, small-cell technology and hybrid solutions.
Additional measures would include exploring expanded public safety Wi-Fi at borough-owned properties and comparing potential solutions according to effectiveness, cost, community impacts and long-term reliability.
Osso identified five priorities for the Republican ticket: keeping taxes manageable, revitalizing downtown, ensuring public safety, improving infrastructure and recreation, and promoting transparency and accountability.
Osso, a Hillsdale resident of 16 years, has served on the council since 2024 and was unanimously elected council president in 2025 and 2026.
He boasts 30 years of experience in finance and technology and has been a local business partner for more than 25 years. He has supported local schools, recreation and public safety initiatives, with an emphasis on fiscal responsibility.
Ganter, a resident for 15 years, has more than 20 years of experience in health care leadership as a licensed nursing home administrator and licensed social worker. She says she’s managed multimillion-dollar budgets and complex operations. A mother of four, she supports local schools, youth sports and charitable organizations.
“We bring proven financial, operational, business, and municipal leadership to Hillsdale. Our commitment is to listen, collaborate, deliver measurable results, and keep Hillsdale safe, financially sound, and thriving,” Osso and Ganter said.
Visit facebook.com/p/Osso-and-Ganter-for-Council-100064926780390