NORWOOD, N.J.—Incumbent Republican Mayor James P. Barsa faces a challenge from Democrat nominee Annie Hausmann in his bid for a fourth term as mayor of Norwood.
On Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, residents will elect their mayor and two members of the Borough Council, in addition to casting votes for state and county officials.
Incumbent Republican Councilman Anthony Foschino is joined by nominee Kate Cerbasi on Barsa’s ticket.
Incumbent Democrat Councilman John J. Rooney is joined by George L. Santiago on Hausmann’s ticket.
This article will focus exclusively on the two candidates for mayor. The council candidates will be featured in next week’s edition.
We invited the candidates to submit a 250-word statement outlining their backgrounds and issues that are of importance to them; here they are in alphabetical order by last name. Asterisks denote incumbents.
James P. Barsa*
—Political party: Republican.
— Age: 54.
— Years of residency: 29.
—Career: owner, Barsa Insurance Agency.
— Family: Wife, Gena; daughters, Adrianna and Lauren.
— Past elected experience: Norwood Mayor, three terms; Norwood Council, one term.
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Safe. Family-friendly. Financially stable. Attributes of a community that are reality for every resident in the Borough of Norwood.
As Election Day nears, I am asking for your support in my reelection as Mayor. This November, I will run alongside life-long residents Kate Cerbasi and Anthony Foschino as they run for Council. They are a perfect fit for our community; as their vision and goals are in complete alignment with preserving Norwood’s values.
As we move into 2020, it is my hope Norwood continues its growth and looks to accomplish even more with our sights set on:
• Infrastructure Improvements
• Continued Fiscal Responsibility
• Safety Management
• Exceeding Emergency Service Equipment Standards
• Improved Communication Strategy and FrequencyThis list brings us to our progress. Norwood continues to maintain an AA rating from Moody’s. This financial stability allows residents of all ages the opportunity to remain in the community. The careful planning behind special events and services hosted by the Borough, such as Norwood Day, July Fourth Fireworks, the Senior Van services and more, allows for us to stay diversified in what we are able to offer all residents.
I am confident my previous 13 years of contribution and commitment have exceeded your level of expectation. It would be an honor to continue this journey, moving our community through the ever-changing landscape of borough operations, and services that benefit everyone from our children to our seniors.
Thanking you in advance for considering us this fall.
Sincerely, James P. Barsa.
—James P. Barsa
Annie Hausmann
— Political party: Democrat.
— Age: 57.
—Years of residency: 23.
—Career: Current nonprofit fundraiser and event planner; former Wall Street operations manager.
—Family: Husband, David; children, Georgia and Jack.
— Past elected experience: Norwood PTO President.
Norwood voters have a decision to make on Nov. 5—do we continue with the status quo or do we get our community back on track? I chose to run for Mayor because I want to start moving Norwood in a better direction, together, with you.
For over a decade, the Livingston Street project has been a disaster and Norwood residents have been suffering. The conversion of former “parking lots” into a vibrant downtown has become a literal nightmare. We have missed thousands-of-dollars in tax revenue, all while driving by the biggest eyesore day after day. Obviously, this is not an easy problem to solve. As your Mayor, my number one priority will be bringing our community together to hold the developers responsible, accountable, and turn the site into a premier, suburban downtown.
Unfortunately, our troubles do not end on Livingston Street. We have been without a Borough Administrator for over a year, and the Department of Public Works Superintendent position has been vacant since the beginning of this year. Naturally, things have started to fall through the cracks, along with your tax dollars and the ever-deteriorating road conditions. Residents are paying for these borough positions as part of the annual budget, but receiving none of the benefits associated with professional leadership.
I have lived in Norwood for over 20 years and I know our community can thrive. We need better leadership. I will be a leader who works hard and makes you proud. We. Deserve. Better.
—Annie Hausmann
Sample Ballot
