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EMERSON, N.J.—Voters in Emerson have an important Election Day vote Nov. 6: They’ll chose a mayor to serve a four-year term and two councilmembers to serve three-year terms.
Incumbent Democrat Louis J. Lamatina seek reelection as mayor, and he’s challenged by Republican Councilwoman Danielle DiPaola.
In this article, we’ll focus on the candidates at the top of the municipal ticket: Lamatina and DiPaola. In an upcoming edition, we’ll bring you statements from the candidates for council: Incumbent Democrats Brian Downing and Karen Wolf, and their Republican challengers Kenneth Hoffmann and Brian Gordon.
We asked candidates for a 250-word statement on their backgrounds and issues; they appear in alphabetical order by last name. Asterisks denote incumbents.
Danielle DiPaola
“Emerson needs a strong, consistent leader who is ready and able to steer Emerson forward for the next four years, someone able to determine what benefits the Borough and its citizens rather than developers. My opponents have said I’m against progress, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. I’ve always supported and voted yes on projects that actually improve the Borough while still being consistent with its small town character. As Vice Chair of the Land Use Board, and Class III member for over four years, I voted in favor of countless development projects such as Oritani Bank, The Emerson Grand and Tool Chest, as well as for renovations to ShopRite, The Emerson Hotel & Liberty Subaru. These projects had excellent plans that were befitting of a small town.
“In addition to my positive attitude to reasonable development, I have nine consecutive years of experience on the Borough Council and am a fiscal conservative committed to receiving the best return on our tax dollars. I have been actively attempting to bring government to the people of Emerson for my entire tenure on the council either by televising meetings.
“If I am elected mayor, I will represent our home town with integrity and restore respect and pride to our government and will work to make it more inclusive rather than exclusive. I will listen to what the needs of the residents are, acting in their best interests, not those of outside groups. I humbly ask for your vote for mayor on Nov. 6, and for Council: Brian Gordon and Ken Hoffman. Together we can effectuate positive change in Emerson.”
Louis J. Lamatina*
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as your mayor for two terms. I am seeking a third term to continue the progress we have made. The town has struggled for decades to revitalize our downtown. Finally, we see positive change with the completion of the Kinderkamack Road project and plans for the Redevelopment of Block 419 near the train station.
“I have the experience, qualifications and drive to insure that the revitalization of our downtown continues, and we progress forward rather than stand still.
“Under my administration, the municipal tax rate was actually reduced in 2018 and did not increase in 2016, while we saw a small increase in 2017. Since taking office again in 2015, we increased the borough’s surplus by $1,178,743 to a healthy $2,651,00 at the close of 2017. We accomplished this by controlling spending and with sound management, while both completing Kinderkamack Road and acquiring two properties adjacent to Borough Hall to allow much needed expansion of our municipal facilities in the near future.
“We have seen unprecedented progress since 2015, including an end to the nastiness and divisiveness which dominated Borough government under the prior administration. We must not fall backward with negativity, but rather move forward with progressive, positive thinking.
“It has been a tremendous honor to serve as mayor of ‘The Family Town’ and I look forward to continue the progress in the critical years ahead.
“Please be part of that effort by electing our entire team.”