EMERSON—While Emerson’s mayoral candidates — Republican incumbent Danielle DiPaola and Democratic challenger Jeanine Lamatina — top the ticket, two Borough Council seats are contested by two incumbent Republicans who are squaring off against two little-known Democratic challengers.
Lamatina’s running mates, Democrats Jose Organ and Richard Dinallo, oppose incumbent Republican council members Jill McGuire and Nicole Argenzia, on Nov. 8.
Dinallo said he and his wife, Patricia, have lived in Emerson since 1973.
“We raised our two children in Emerson, and are now enjoying our three grandchildren who live nearby. Getting married, and raising a family in Emerson has been one of the most rewarding lifetime decisions. When my children were young, I coached in the recreation program in both baseball and softball,” he said.
He said he served on the Environmental Commission for “many years” and while chairman “was instrumental in the creation of Centennial Park.”
He said he worked with the county to seal a well in the park, and participates in the local Senior Citizens Club, and is a member of the Church of the Assumption.
“I totally understand what it means to live in the ‘Family Town’,” he told Pascack Press.
Dinallo retired from the Bergen County Utilities Authority about a decade ago, which made him familiar with local public finance laws and regulations. “Since I am retired, I have time to dedicate to the town and its departments to stabilize local taxes without sacrificing services or township personnel,” he said.
Dinallo said he was “asking the voters of Emerson to give me a chance to be your councilman for only one term to achieve my goals. A two-party system enlivens conversation and brings new ideas and perspectives to the forefront, this makes us stronger.”
He said Lamatina and Organ “are both conscientious and diligent workers, and I am proud to be on a ticket with them.”
Organ did not reply to a request for candidate information by our press deadline.
Incumbent Republican council members Jill McGuire and Nicole Argenzia also told Pascack Press why they want to continue representing borough residents.
McGuire has been a resident for nearly 17 years, and has a bachelor’s degree from Thomas Edison State University. She has been chair of the local Historic Preservation Committee, and is Emerson Parents for Athletes sport liaison.
McGuire joined the council in 2019 to fill DiPaola’s unexpired term and was elected to a full term later that year. She told us, “I am excited to be running for reelection with Mayor Danielle DiPaola and Councilwoman Nicole Argenzia. Danielle, Nicole and I share the same vision of progress for Emerson — the kind that is fiscally responsible with the goal to protect the small-town charm that Emersonians cherish. It’s the kind of progress that welcomes all residents and promotes greater access to community programs, activities and events for all to enjoy.”
She said over the past four years, she has seen successful efforts including newly introduced recreational sports, community activities and events, increased volunteering, extended summer camp hours, and a new senior/special needs bus.
“Progress is also about transparency in local government, which is why we prioritized getting all council meetings televised in our first year, and then live-streamed later in our term. This accomplishment was invaluable to residents during the Covid-19 pandemic. We continue providing greater access to borough news and information with the addition of borough social media accounts,” McGuire said.
“The most valuable skills I bring to the council are my ability to lead, my ability to work effectively with others, and my positive approach to addressing issues. I believe that my record as a councilwoman, in my work and as a community volunteer demonstrate these strengths. I’d like to utilize my skills, once more, to continue serving Emerson,” she said.
She said she was running because “I believe we must continue the present administration’s positive course. As Emerson faces a future round to meet affordable housing mandates, we cannot return to the policies of the past that addressed these mandates with threat of eminent domain and aggressive zoning changes.”
Incumbent Argenzia has lived in Emerson for 20 years, and is a nurse manager at Hackensack University Medical Center. She has a master’s degree in nursing and is New Jersey State Board-certified in pediatrics. She has also served as president of the local Board of Health.
She and her husband, Patrick, have three children.
“I married into a family who has resided in Emerson for over four generations and I love living here and raising my three children here. I knew there was no other town Pat and I would settle in. After volunteering for many organizations, coaching, and becoming involved in the town, I decided to take the next leap and run for council three years ago,” wrote Argenzia.
She said she has served as liaison to the ambulance corps, police department, historic committee, health board, public works, recreation commission, and fire department.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed serving with all these volunteers as well as our staff. Together, with these shareholders, we have moved Emerson forward successfully over the last three years. We have always made thoughtful decisions in the best interest of the taxpayers,” she said.
“We have a diverse community where we have developed many new programs for all ages. Emerson is a wonderful town where I enjoy participating in everything that the family town has to offer. I look forward to serving for another three years as your councilwoman,” Argenzia said.
Emerson’s 5,704 registered voters include 1,497 Democrats, 2,167 Republicans, and 2,040 unaffiliated voters. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8.