DEMAREST, N.J.—Last week, Northern Valley Press brought you statements from Demarest’s two candidates for mayor: Republican Raymond J. Cywinski and Democrat Melinda Iannuzzi.
This year, voters will also elect two council members to serve three-year terms. Incumbent Democrat Daryl Ury Fox is running with Janice Kurys, while the Republican candidates are Joseph N. Connolly and Barbara E. Johnson.
The borough’s governing body is currently made up of six Democrats, with Cywinski at the helm.
Candidates were asked 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.
Joseph N. Connolly
“I am running for Demarest Council to represent the views of the residents, use my educational knowledge to serve the residents and the Borough and continue to give back to my community.
“As the current chairman of the Shade Tree Commission and member for several years, I have had the opportunity to meet with many residents and hear their concerns, not just regarding trees, but other issues they have shared with me. The one principal concern of many residents is real estate taxes. This is even more pressing with the new limitations on deductibility of real estate taxes and state income taxes on federal tax returns.
“I am a Trustee of the Demarest Nature Center Association and an active member of the Parish of St. Joseph and the Knights of Columbus, organizations where I am in contact with many residents.
“I was the Chair of the Ambulance and Recreation Committee, a member of the Finance and Insurance and Management, Administrative and Communication committees. In these capacities, I learned and contributed to the functioning of these committees, having been instrumental in vetting the need and ultimately supporting the purchase of a new ambulance. My commitment is partly exemplified by the fact that I attended 100 percent of the meetings of the Mayor and Council as a councilman.
“I am a strong advocate for a transparent budget process and support those ordinances that enhance the quality of life in Demarest. I believe in shared services for efficiency and stabilizing taxes. Vote, Thank you!”
Daryl Ury Fox*
“I’m running to retain my seat on the Demarest Borough Council. I’ve lived in Demarest since high school, aside from time away for college and law school. Since returning, I’ve served on almost every civic board and committee in the Borough, including the Zoning Board (23 years), and as a Trustee of the Nature Center, the Swim Club and the Wakelee Field playground. During my current Council term, I was Chair of the Management and Communications Committee and oversaw the transition to a modern website, through which residents can complete forms and make payments (including taxes) online. In addition, I’m very proud that the Council worked collaboratively to replenish our surplus, as a result of which the municipal portion of our property taxes has not increased in the past three years (the Council has no authority over the school and county portions of the property tax). As the new Chair of the Real Estate and Ordinance Committee, I will review all Borough properties and work with the Planning Board to update our Zoning Ordinance. More broadly, I will continue to work cooperatively with my fellow Council members who have made a dedicated effort to focus on what’s best for Demarest, without regard to national party affiliation. Therefore, I respectfully ask the voters to re-elect me for a second term on the Borough Council, and to elect Melinda Iannuzzi as Mayor and Janice Kurys as a new Councilperson.”
Barbara E. Johnson
“As a senior citizen myself, I know and speak with many seniors in town, my age and older, and the one constant they express is the struggle to remain in Demarest due to taxes. And this after they have been in town for decades. On the other end of the age spectrum, as a Special Education Advocate for children ages three to 21, I understand the needs of those children and students who require special services so they can reach their full potential.
“Although I have not served in an elected capacity (everyone has to start somewhere) I have been involved with issues in town, especially when it was within my own neighborhood. I saw firsthand how things were resolved, or not resolved to the satisfaction of residents, either by action taken or inaction of some governing body members. My pledge to the residents of Demarest is to listen to the views of all residents, hear both sides and take action as I feel is in the best interest of the residents and the Borough in general.
“I pledge that as an elected official I will be available to all residents, respectful of all individuals and their views and make decisions based on facts and for the betterment of our community. Understanding it ‘takes two to tango,’ Demarest must actively reach out to other communities seeking opportunities to share services in an effort to stabilize taxes. All actions need to be taken in a fully transparent manner.”
Janice Kurys
“I have spent most of my life as a Demarest resident and I am now running for a seat on the Borough Council to bring a fresh voice and enthusiasm to the table.
“I attended elementary and high school in Demarest, played sports at Wakelee field and was married at St. Joseph’s Church. After some years away for college and young adulthood, when it was time to raise a family of my own, I could think of no better place to live than Demarest.
“There is nothing more important to me than my family and the community we live in. I want the residents of Demarest, both older and younger, to continue to thrive and enjoy all that Demarest has to offer.
“I believe in the power of inclusiveness and know that Demarest is a place that benefits from our residents, of all backgrounds and affiliations, working together to do what’s best for our community.
“I will bring honest, informed and level-headed decision making along with a ‘get the job done’ attitude honed from my 19 years in corporate communication and media.
“I have strong roots in Demarest and I am invested in its future. I am humbled to ask for your vote on Nov. 6 for a seat on the Borough Council, and to elect Melinda Iannuzzi as Mayor and Daryl Fox for a second term on the Borough Council.
“I look forward to the opportunity to give back to the community that has given me so much.”
