HILLSDALE—Former councilman and council president Frank Pizzella is out and incumbent council president Anthony DeRosa is in — that is, in the race for mayor.
According to Hillsdale Republican County Committee chairman James M. Domville in a statement on Tuesday, Aug. 2, Pizzella — who won the Republican primary in June — “made the difficult decision not to run for mayor due to personal family reasons. We respect Mr. Pizzella’s decision and extend our heartfelt understanding, support and thanks to him and his family.”
He said, “While this news is unexpected, we are pleased to announce that current Hillsdale Borough Council President Anthony DeRosa has been selected to run for mayor. Anthony has lived in Hillsdale for over 40 years and has been an exceptional public servant, dedicated to serving the Borough of Hillsdale for the past decade.”
Pizzella secured the Republican nod alongside his running mates, John Ruocco and Clemente Osso. He served Hillsdale on council starting 2010, and completed his last term Dec. 31, 2022.
Democrat Michael Sheinfield and his running mates, Steven Segalas and Meredith Kates, are aiming for the gavel and council seats, respectively.
The election will dovetail with the culmination of the borough’s 125th anniversary celebration.
Domville touted DeRosa’s “extensive experience and accomplishments [as] invaluable to the community in various capacities, including as liaison to the local and regional boards of education, Recreation Commission, Hillsdale Volunteer Ambulance Service, DPW and police.”
As well, said Domville, “In his roles, Mr. DeRosa has demonstrated an exceptional ability to collaborate with various stakeholders, ensuring that the interests of our residents are well-represented and that initiatives aimed at improving public safety, education, recreation, sports and infrastructure have been successfully implemented. His track record of fostering meaningful partnerships and driving positive change is a testament to his capabilities as a leader.”
Prior to serving on council, DeRosa coached recreation and travel sports teams, served on the Hillsdale Baseball & Softball Association board, and volunteered for the Navigators Sports League (for children and young adults with special needs), said Domville.
DeRosa also is a member of the Sons of the American Legion here in town.
Domville had more to say in this spirit, and referred readers to the campaign Facebook page Our Hillsdale for information as the campaign moves forward.
Frank Pizzella, public servant
We reached out to Pizzella for comment but did not immediately hear back. He sent a letter to the editor in mid-July that said, “I would like to thank Hillsdale residents for their support in the Primary Election. We have much work to do before the General Election. Together we will spread our message and galvanize the support we need to be successful in November 2023.”
In his coverage of Pizzella’s council send-off, Pascack Press’s Michael Olohan noted that Pizzella did not run for council reelection. Incumbent Republican Janetta Trochimiuk and Republican newcomer Justin P. Fox ran unopposed for two council seats.
Olohan said “Several council members and Mayor John Ruocco noted that it was Pizzella’s persistence that eliminated the transfer station and improved local quality of life.
“Now, thanks much to Pizzella’s efforts, a 255-unit, multifamily rental apartment complex, and a proposed free community center and outdoor plaza, are being planned,” he said.
He quoted Ruocco: “Without Councilman Pizzella’s dedication for redevelopment, the redevelopment agreement that was signed with Claremont March (CP Hillsdale LLC) earlier this year to develop the Patterson Street industrial area would not have taken place.”
Ruocco then noted the contributions that Pizzella made over nine years on the council to effect redevelopment to Patterson Street and the borough downtown.
Councilwoman Abby Lundy said Pizzella “served the town with passion and you put your heart and soul into it.” She said he had “charged ahead” on the redevelopment “and led the town on a path that will benefit the town and residents for years to come.”
She noted Pizzella used to joke around and call her his “seedling” and as a parting gift she offered him a pack of Forget-Me-Not seeds. “So I will not forget you. I will not forget what you did for the town. I wish you the best of luck on your next chapter.”
DeRosa said of Pizzella then that “The mere mention of his name conjures a host of reactions and emotions.” He said “No one can compare to Frank Pizzella, no one comes close to him. He’s one of a kind.”
He added that Pizzella’s contribution to the redevelopment of Hillsdale was “a lasting benefit to the community.”