HILLSDALE, N.J.—Voters here are expected to return unopposed Mayor John Ruocco to office and elect two council members to serve three-year terms this Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Seeking reelection is Republican Councilman Frank Pizzella. He’s joined by Republican nominee Janetta Trochimiuk. They are challenged by Democratic nominee Ian Askins.
We asked candidates to submit a 250-word statement outlining their backgrounds and issues that are of importance to them; they appear in alphabetical order by last name. Asterisks denote incumbents.
For mayor: one four-year term
John J. Ruocco*
—Party: Republican.
— Age: 67
—Years of residency in town: 38
—Career: Financial supervision officer and bank examiner with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, retired; UNICO Westwood Chapter secretary, 2012–15.
—Degrees and certifications: B.A. Columbia (economics). M.B.A. New York University (finance).
— Family: Married; two adult children.
— Elected experience: Councilman, 2015–17; Council President, 2017; Mayor, Sept. 2017 to present (all Hillsdale).
I have learned a great deal since my election as mayor. One lesson bears a similarity to the biblical verse: that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of needle than it is for an elected official to do the right thing when he has many people whispering in his ear to favor them. Local municipal governments have to be wary of tribalism and cronyism.
I have tried to demonstrate in words and deeds a professional and non-partisan approach to the challenges facing the borough. Among them are making intelligent and strategic decisions about how best to maintain and improve the town’s infrastructure, the services we deliver, and the quality of life for our residents—and to do so in a cost-effective manner so as to keep tax increases manageable.
My 39 years of public service to our nation made me appreciate the value of considering all the costs and benefits of a decision, not just the short-term ones that many of our elected officials seem to focus on.
My concern for the welfare of Hillsdale is grounded in the long-term view—I want to leave Hillsdale in a better place for the coming younger generations who will buy or inherit our homes.
To do this, we must elect officials with relevant business and management experience who are willing to be statesmen with a wide vision, rather than individuals who take a short-term view driven by special interests. I ask for your support in November.
—John Ruocco
For Council: Two Three-Year Terms
Ian M. Askins
—Party: Democratic.
—Age: 28.
—Years of residency in town: 28.
—Career: High school mathematics teacher.
—Degrees and certifications: B.S. in mathematics; M.A.T. in secondary education, both from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
—Family: Parents Julie and Richard Askins.
—Elected experience: None.
I am a lifelong resident of Hillsdale, and as a child spent a lot of time in our youth soccer program and in the town library.
I graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University and earned degrees in mathematics and education. I teach high school math in Perth Amboy but did my student teaching at Pascack Valley High School and hope to return there so I may give back to our community. Residents of the western part of Hillsdale may have seen me, on foot or bicycle, traveling through the Tandy Woods or past Demarest Farms.
I am concerned that under our current all-Republican Council Hillsdale’s government is engaged in rubber-stamping rather than true democracy. Sampling the last several council meetings, only one vote was remotely contentious, and that was the issue with [Business Administrator/Certified Municipal Finance Officer] Jon DeJoseph. Granting them the best of intentions, our councilmembers speak and think the same, and I think they fail to see possible ways to make Hillsdale better.
Hillsdale applies for and makes use of state grants to support various town projects; I would like to extend our applications to include federal grants.
I want to ensure that any re-zoning of our industrial district preserves successful small businesses. I plan to keep Stonybrook permanently in the black rather than go through annual drama.
I would explore installing solar panels on the roofs of municipal buildings to save both money and the environment. Above all, I will fight for a sustainable budget so our quality of life is preserved for the future.
—Ian M. Askins
Frank A. Pizzella*
—Party: Republican.
—Age: 50.
—Years of residency in town: 13.
—Career: Senior director, AJS Capital Solutions.
—Degrees and certifications: Law degree/JD, 1999, Seton Hall University.
—Family: Married to Dina, with son Michael and daughter Ava.
—Elected experience: Borough Council, appointed 2012–2013; elected 2014–present.
My name is Frank Pizzella and I am Hillsdale’s council president. I am honored to serve the residents of Hillsdale. Currently, I am a member of the Finance Committee, liaison to the Environmental Commission, chair of the Access for All Committee, a member of the Ordinance Committee and chair of the Economic Development Committee.
When I first served on council, I introduced the concept of revenue generation through economic development and encouraged council to develop a vision and economic growth plan. Hillsdale, like so many other small towns, must stabilize taxes while continuing to maintain services and make improvements. Cutting expenses is not a long-term solution.
I worked with Waste Management and successfully helped them to understand that the value in their investment did not involve bringing more garbage to Hillsdale. I lead the effort to create opportunity and with my fellow councilmembers and the Planning Board members, we designated the industrial zone an area for redevelopment. In doing so, we ensured a brighter future for our community.
Soon, Hillsdale will create a plan that will breathe new life into an entire area of town that has laid misunderstood for over two decades and increase property value.
I possess the knowledge, experience, creativity and skill set to move Hillsdale into a future of sustainability. I respectfully ask you, regardless of your affiliations, to support me, to give me the opportunity to continue to utilize my professional experience and skills, to provide you with responsible and creative leadership.
—Frank A. Pizzella
Janetta Trochimiuk
—Party: Republican.
—Age: 56.
—Years of residency in town: 15.
—Career: Accounting controller with Philips Healthcare North America; CPA.
—Degrees and certifications: Baruch College, CUNY, N.Y, N.Y., B.A. Accountancy; NYS Licensed CPA since 1991
—Family: Married with four
children .
—Elected experience: None.
My professional business and financial accounting background will bring refreshing new leadership to Hillsdale residents.
I am a certified public accountant with more than 30 years of experience leading small and large businesses, but I am also a mother and an active member of the Hillsdale community.
While I work full time, I have found time to be a class mom, soccer coach, Girl Scout leader and Cub Scout leader (Hillsdale Troop 91). At St. John the Baptist Church I am chair of the Finance Committee, a member of the RCIA team, and a eucharistic minister.
I believe I am well suited to serve because I have a wide demographic view of Hillsdale. My youngest is a Hillsdale Hawk, allowing me a direct view into issues and concerns of current young homeowners raising families in Hillsdale.
My adult children and their friends represent the next group of homeowners that we want to attract to Hillsdale. My husband is a retired senior, providing yet another perspective.
I feel certain that I echo the sentiment of most Hillsdale residents when I say I love this town! I am able and prepared to make logical and sound business decisions that benefit the short- and long- term needs of Hillsdale.
To put it simply, I want to use my diverse professional business background and strong sense of community to enhance and protect the beauty, safety, and future of our wonderful town.
—Janetta Trochimiuk
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