WESTWOOD—Borough voters will cast ballots in support of state, county, and local leaders on this Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5.
In addition to the contest for mayor (see our profiles of candidates Ray Arroyo and Jodi Murphy in these pages Oct. 14) Westwood is fielding four candidates for two Borough Council seats.
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.
Robert Bicocchi*
—Party: Republican.
—Age: 54.
—Years of residency: 23.
—Career: Senior property manager, CBRE, for Bank of America Tower.
—Degrees and certifications: Associate’s, Empire State College.
—Family: Wife Roseann; son Philip.
—Elected experience: Six years as councilman.
I am seeking re-election for council, with Beth Dell and alongside Council President Ray Arroyo for mayor, to continue to play a critical role in Westwood’s enduring recognition in various publications as one of the best places to retire, shop, live, and above all, one of the safest places in New Jersey.
Westwood’s success is a product of dedicated and experienced leadership that puts volunteerism above self-interest and partisan politics. Our efforts have been realized in the value of first-rate services the Borough of Westwood is able to provide to its residents.
Westwood parents see the value in our parks and Recreation Department which are the envy of the Pascack Valley because of extensive offerings and well-maintained fields upon which our children play safely.
Our first responders appreciate the value of protecting residents of all ages with equipment acquired through the 1033 Federal Surplus Program, which outfits the units with repurposed gear, inline with our efforts towards becoming a more sustainable community. Families enjoy the value of safe routes to school, ensured by the securing of grant funding.
Westwood’s friendly hometown environment is the result of earlier, forward thinking planners of whose ranks I am proud to have been granted the opportunity to stand amongst. Seen or unseen, the decisions made by the current and previous councils have added great value to the lives of Westwood residents and I look forward to the opportunity to continue to steer the borough along this path of incremental, judicious, and sustained progress.
—Robert Bicocchi
Beth Anne Dell*
— Party: Republican.
— Age: 58.
— Years of residency: 21.
— Career: Manager, senior citizen apartment complex.
— Degrees and certifications: Park Ridge High School, Robert Fiance Beauty Schools.
— Family: Married to Mark for 27 years, two children: Matthew, 22, and Nicholas, 18.
— Elected experience: Westwood councilwoman appointed to a vacant seat in September 2015, elected to a three-year term 2016–2019.
I am running for re-election to the Westwood Council because I am eager to add to the many achievements over the past four years as councilmember and continue working with my running mates, Ray Arroyo and Rob Bicocchi.
Westwood’s forward movement as a predominant gem in the crown of the Pascack Valley is hardy assured; It is vital to have an experienced and proven team in place to properly address the many important issues facing Westwood. I have that experience.
Prudent financial decisions are required to protect our residents through our police, ambulance and fire departments. Our DPW needs to be well equipped to maintain our parks and roads. The Board of Health, Recreation Department, and Library provide incredible value to the quality of life for all of our community members, birth to 100-plus. I have been liaison to most of these departments and cast critical votes to ensure their continued, positive trajectories.
For more than 20 years, my husband, children, and I have volunteered countless hours in the hospital, recreation and sports programs, library, and school district. I continue to serve as vice president of the Westwood Education Foundation and board member for the County Homeless Shelter.
My family and I are so proud of our beautiful community and love living here. I was truly honored when Westwood voters provided me the privilege of serving my current term. I will continue to put my heart and soul into protecting and enhancing the quality of life for all of my fellow Westwood residents.
—Beth Anne Dell
Iraj Hastings
— Party: Democratic.
— Age: 47.
— Years of residency: 12.
— Career:
Information technology consultant.
— Degrees: Rutgers College, bachelor of arts in economics; Columbia Business School MBA.
— Family: Parents William and Maryam Hastings; wife Michele Hastings; daughters Claudia, 16, and Sarah, 12.
— Elected experience: None.
I am extremely humbled to be representing the Democratic Party as a candidate for Westwood’s Council. My wife, Michele, and I moved to Westwood in 2007 looking for a community to raise our daughters, Claudia and Sarah, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. Westwood’s residents, services, schools, parks and business district provide a perfect environment for our family and I would be honored to serve the community as councilman.
As councilman I want to make sure Westwood is a place that families can stay for generations. To do that I plan to focus on making Westwood as affordable as possible for its residents by maintaining fiscal responsibility and promoting a vibrant business district.
I want to work with the Board of Education to provide programs that give our children the best chance to succeed. I want to work with our emergency services and DPW to keep all Westwood residents safe. And finally, I want to enhance the community feel by finding activities and outreach programs to engage citizens.
I have been fortunate to take advantage of Westwood’s amazing community, playing in the men’s softball league, playing and marching with the Westwood Community Band, acting as a coach and board member for Westwood Softball and watching my girls grow through the school system.
And now I want to use my experiences and training to make Westwood a place we all want to stay. Thank you.
—Iraj Hastings
Lea Simone
— Party: Democratic
— Age: 43.
— Years of residency: 4.
— Career: Educator for 18 years.
— Degrees and certifications: Bachelor of arts, education; Women’s Studies minor; ESL certification.
—Family: Married to Erik; daughter, Hayden, 8.
— Elected experience: None.
I am honored to be a candidate and ready to serve on the Westwood Council.
I want great schools, a thriving business district and a town that is affordable for every resident. I want this community to keep making strides for all ages. I want fiscal accountability and responsibility, so our cost of living does not keep increasing, yet we must also continue to build upon and best utilize the services that benefit so many people. I want all to be a part of the conversation and needs and concerns heard. We must have a shift toward swift action.
These are the driving forces behind my involvement in many aspects of the community. As a member of the Green Team, I have worked to maintain our certification with Sustainable NJ, hosted an educational film screening, and have projects in mind that will benefit the community.
I am also active in my daughter’s school as a chair for The Brookside Bash, one of the largest fundraisers, and Art to Remember.
As an educator, I want to work with the Board of Education to enhance the experiences of our students. In addition, I am a member of the Creative Team and the Celebrate Westwood Committee.Know that as your Westwood councilwoman I will fight for you. I will listen to you and do the work required to get things done. I am your voice, your sounding board, and am here to serve this amazing community we all call home.
—Lea Simone
Sample Ballot
