NORWOOD, N.J.—Borough voters will elect their mayor and two members of the Borough Council, in addition to casting ballots for state and county officials on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Last week Northern Valley Press featured candidate profiles in the mayoral race. Republican Mayor James Barsa seeks a fourth term, and he’s challenged by Democrat nominee Annie Hausmann.
This week we’ll take a closer look at the candidates for council. In Column 1 with Barsa are the Republican nominees: Incumbent Councilman Anthony Foschino and Kate Cerbasi. In Column 2 with Hausmann are Democrat nominees: Incumbent Councilman John J. Rooney and George L. Santiago.
We invited the 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.
Kate Cerbasi
—Political Party: Republican.
—Age: 40.
—Years of residency: 40.
—Career: Property manager.
—College Degree: Associate’s degree in Interior Design.
—Family: Daughter, Amelia Plescia, age 12.
—Past elected experience: Norwood Public School PTO VP of Fundraising; Norwood Public School PTO President.
I am a 4th generation life-long Norwood resident and come from a family with a longstanding commitment to volunteerism. While serving on the Norwood Public School PTO Board as both Vice President of Fundraising and President, I worked with students, families, teachers, administrators, and the Board of Education to bring new programs, equipment, and opportunities to our school. My career in property management encompasses all aspects of construction, property rehabilitation, code compliance, and liaising between Building Code Officials and Contractors. My varied background will allow me to be an effective Councilwoman and implement changes that will enhance our community.
My goals include upgrading the Kennedy Field playground and incorporating inclusive equipment; utilizing the borough website to its full potential, making it a resource for all residents; creating a connection between our youngest and oldest residents through collaborative programs; and hosting special meetings to provide our children and seniors the opportunity to share their concerns, ideas and wishes for our town.
I have the benefit of having experienced Norwood as a youth and as an adult, I have walked the halls of Norwood Public School as a student and as a parent, I have played and coached Norwood Recreational Sports, I know our strengths and where we have room for growth. This unique perspective is invaluable. I have watched Norwood evolve and am dedicated to being part of its continued progress as Councilwoman.
I am committed, along with Mayor Barsa and Councilman Foschino, to preserving Norwood values.
—Kate Cerbasi
Anthony Foschino*
—Political party: Republican.
—Age: 50.
—Years of residency: 41.
—Career: Self employed landscape contractor; retired law enforcement.
—College degrees or certifications: Bachelor of Business Administration from Pace University.
—Family: Married to Janine; two girls, Christina and Giuliana.
—Past elected experience: Norwood Zoning Board, 2008-2018; Elected to Norwood Board of Education 2016-2018; Appointed to fill Norwood Council vacancy in 2018 to present.
I am pursuing a position as a Council Member for the Borough of Norwood. Having had the opportunity to be raised in Norwood and marrying my wife Janine, also a lifetime resident, we are fortunate to be raising our two girls, Christina, an eighth-grader and Giuliana, a fourth-grader, in our hometown. Having been a resident of Norwood for over 40 years, I have a vested interest in the well-being of the community and the positive advancements of the Borough.
I spent my formative years as a student at Norwood Public School and then went on to graduate from Bergen Catholic High School. My college career was spent at Pace University where I majored in Business Management with a minor in Criminal Justice. For 14 years, I had the privilege to work and serve as a law enforcement officer. I am currently working as vice president in a family owned business. My work experiences in the business have exposed me to contract negotiations, creating and maintaining budgets, and facilities management.
I have had the opportunity to sit on the Norwood Zoning Board as well as the Norwood Board of Education. I was appointed to fill a Council vacancy that occurred in late 2018 and currently hold that position to date.
If elected to the Norwood Mayor and Council, my first and foremost goal is to become a representative for the entire community. I look forward to continuing my roles as Department of Public Works Liaison, Board of Health Liaison and Norwood Volunteer Ambulance Corps Liaison.
I will govern in a manner that keeps the Borough of Norwood on its current fiscally responsible path. I look forward to working with our borough staff to ensure the highest level of services for our residents. I will oversee and advocate for the speedy completion of our downtown development.
I am seeking the support of the Norwood community and pledge my hard work and dedication to making Norwood an exemplary model for surrounding towns.
—Anthony Foschino
John J. Rooney*
—Political party: Democrat.
—Age: 59.
—Years of residency: 30.
—Career: Over 37 years in accounting and financial roles. Current: MetLife, director of shareholder services.
—College degrees or certifications: CPA, with B.S. in accounting from Manhattan College.
—Family: Wife, Joanne; three adult children, Matthew, Michael and Brian.
—Past elected experience: Currently on Norwood council; previously served two terms as councilman (1998-2003).
Hello, my wife Joanne and I have lived in Norwood since 1990, where we raised three boys who now are of adult age. During that time, I’ve coached several youth sports teams, and have helped all three of my sons achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.
I’m also an active member in my church community and currently serve on Immaculate Conception Church’s Parish and Finance Councils.
I’m currently on the Norwood town council, serving as Finance Chairman and Fire Commissioner.
As Finance Chairman, I oversaw the development of the borough’s annual budget, and I’m proud to have helped to deliver budgets with a minimal tax impact to residents, while strengthening the town’s financial position.
As Fire Commissioner, I ensured our volunteer firemen got what they needed to keep Norwood safe.
I’ve previously held two terms as a Norwood councilman, serving on various committees, including Pubic Safety Commissioner.
I decided to run for town council three years ago because I was fed up with the condition of our downtown area which was just a “parking lot” at the time.
While progress has been made, project continues to stall due to an apathetic developer, and a Mayor who doesn’t want to ruffle feathers. Concern for ruffled feathers needs to cease, and there needs to be new leadership in Norwood.
We need our downtown back.
Please consider on Nov. 5, supporting Annie Hausmann for Mayor, and George Santiago and myself for Norwood Council.
This is our chance to make change and a difference.
—John J. Rooney
George Santiago
—Political party: Democrat.
—Age: 50.
—Years of residency: 20.
—Career: Former Bergen County Prosecutor’s office of Special Victims Unit and Narcotics.
—Family: Wife, Rose; daughters Hayley and Natalie.
I am running for Borough Council to serve the residents of Norwood and finish creating the premier, suburban downtown we all desire. As a veteran of the United States Army and volunteer with Norwood Ambulance Corps, I understand what it means to help others under adverse conditions.
Right now, our town is struggling to provide necessary services without a Borough Administrator or a Department of Public Works Superintendent. Yet, these salaries have been budgeted and taxes have been collected for the positions. Norwood residents deserve better, starting with real leadership in Borough Hall.
At the last Council meeting, it was suggested that agendas be finalized 48 hours in advance, with only public safety matters added later. The sitting Mayor rejected this idea. The residents of Norwood are footing the bill—we deserve to have adequate notice of what is going on at meetings.
Finally, we need to get more people involved in our community. I’ve seen first-hand how difficult it can be to properly staff the Ambulance Corps—and this is the case across many volunteer organizations. We need to reinstate a sense of community in Norwood. A community that everyone is invited to be part of.
Together, with Annie Hausmann and John Rooney, I am certain that we will create the community that best serves all Norwood residents.
Please vote on Tuesday, Nov. 5 for the team committed to ending the #NightmareOnLivingston, increasing transparency, and building a community we can all be proud of.
—George Santiago
Sample Ballot
