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DEMAREST, N.J.—Republican Demarest Mayor Ray Cywinski is being challenged by Democratic Councilwoman Melinda Iannuzzi in the race for mayor this Election Day.
Borough voters will elect their mayor to serve a four-year term, and two council members to serve three-year terms when the polls open on Nov. 6.
Cywinski had led borough government for the past eight years, serving two terms, while Iannuzzi, a former local school board trustee, is in the second-year of her third term on the borough council.
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.
In an upcoming edition, we’ll bring readers the responses from the council candidates: Democrats Councilwoman Daryl Ury Fox and Janice Kurys and Republicans Joseph N. Connolly and Barbara E. Johnson.
Raymond J. Cywinski*
“I have followed the mantra, ‘one learns by doing,’ while serving as a councilman and especially as mayor. When I feel something could be better, I work to improve it. As an example, I wrote a revised plan that was accepted by the Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) when the state wanted to claim town funds that were not spent. The result, we used the funds to open a group home for four adults with moderate disabilities, meeting a share of our affordable housing requirements.
“I look at the long-term picture, not just one-year out or the next election cycle. I am serving the community and its residents for the long view as to stability, with changes made as needed or dictated by the times or views of the residents.
“I have served on all six council committees; I currently serve on the Planning Board, Library Board and Shade Tree Commission. I attend meetings of other boards and commissions to learn the current issues and lend my expertise (e.g. the Environmental Commission).
“My leadership qualities are measured in part by having served in numerous volunteer positions including president of:
• NJ Shade Tree Federation;
• NJ Association of Conservation Districts;
• Northern Valley Rotary;
• Nominee, President of the NJ Association of Environmental Commissions (October 2018).
“The knowledge from each of these organizations has more than once helped with issues in Demarest.
“As I have done throughout my service to Demarest, I will continue to meet with residents and listen to your concerns and views and try to resolve your issue.”
Melinda Iannuzzi
“After eight years serving on the borough council, I am running for mayor of Demarest. It’s time for a change and I will bring a fresh perspective to the office.
“In our borough we must continue to pursue improvements to streets and roads, up-to-date technologies and equipment for the day-to-day operations of the borough and to seek out opportunities for shared services with other towns when the sharing benefits our borough.
“For the past five years I have been chair of the finance committee. Our committee has presented five budgets on time and under the state-mandated budget caps. As a member of the management and communications committee, I helped bring a new website to the borough. As of August 2018, residents can use this website to pay their property taxes online. In the spring we reintroduced the employee position of code enforcement to the borough after an absence of seven years. Demarest Day is back, this year ending with the traditional fireworks.
“I have years of experience on our governing bodies and an openness to pursuing new opportunities for improving the day-to-day and long-term operations of our beautiful town. I am certain I can be an exemplary mayor for the borough. I hope the good people of Demarest agree and elect me on Nov. 6.”
