Click here to learn more about Rothman's decision:
December 28, 2011
Support for Steve Rothman
Mayor-elect, John DeSimone, and Leonia DMC Chair, Bob Leap, recently spoke with Rep. Steve Rothman and each offered support to Rothman in his bid to represent the "reconfigured" New Jersey 9th Congressional District in Washington.
November 8, 2011
Vote today!
Dear Leonia friends:
Please go to the polls and vote for the team that is truly about working for you and our community. Vote Column 1 - John DeSimone for Mayor and Gil Hawkins & Doug Salmon for Council. They will provide the true leadership we need to move Leonia forward.
Bob Leap
Chairman
Leonia DMC
Bob Leap
Chairman
Leonia DMC
October 5, 2011
DMC supports Pay to Play Reform
Mr. Robert Hermansen, Chair
Freeholder Pay-to-Play Committee
Bergen County Board of Freeholders
One Bergen County Plaza
Hackensack, NJ 07601-7076
Dear Mr. Hermansen:
The Leonia Democratic Municipal Committee wishes to urge you to vigorously continue your efforts to enact pay-to-play reform in Bergen County. Severing the link between government contracts and campaign contributions is a very important and necessary step toward reducing corruption.
The "fair and open process" is a major contradiction to any real reform, and would continue business as usual. It is estimated that more than 200 county contracts per year could take advantage of this "loophole," and be exempt from the reformed rules. We urge you to eliminate this exemption.
Bob Leap
Chairman
Leonia DMC
October 4, 2011
Please Join Us
"Coffee & Conversation" with the Candidates
John DeSimone for Mayor
Gil Hawkins & Doug Salmon for Council
Sunday, October 9, 10:00 - Noon
Moore's Hardware – 335 Broad Avenue
Coffee - Orange Juice - Pastry
Bob Leap
Chair, Leonia DMC
201 Oratam Terrace
__._,_.___
September 18, 2011
Register to vote!
Please make sure your voice is heard on Election Day, November 8, by registering to vote. Deadline for new registrations to vote in November is October 18. Use this link to obtain forms and information on registering. If you need further information or assistance, please call Nina Gaetjens at 201-461-6906.
You are eligible to register if:
- You are a citizen of the United States.
- You are a Bergen County resident 30 days before the election.
- You will be 18
- You are not incarcerated, on parole, or on probation due to a conviction for an indictable offense under any federal or state laws.
September 4, 2011
Join the candidates on September 17
Leonia Democratic Mayoral Candidate John DeSimone and Council Candidates Gil Hawkins and Doug Salmon will kick-off their fall campaign with a “Jazz Supper Club” on Saturday Evening, September 17th, from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m., at the home of Carol Franklin, 433 Highwood Avenue in Leonia.
The event will feature a performance by The Harlem Blues and Jazz Band. In addition to the candidates, special guests will include Lou Stellatto, chairman of the Bergen County Democratic Committee and other elected county and state officials.
The Harlem Blues and Jazz Band was founded in 1973 by King Oliver's trombonist/blues singer Clyde Berhardt and jazz aficionado Dr. Al Vollmer. The group’s main mission is to keep the significant side-men of the Classic Jazz Period working and not forgotten. These exciting “originals,” some of whom actually “jumped” at the Woodside and “stomped” at the Savoy, have earned the title “world’s most authentic swing band.”
The “Jazz Supper Club” is a ticketed event. To make reservations or for further information, please call 201-461-6906. A donation of $35 is requested to support Leonia’s Democratic Slate who are running on a platform of “integrity, openness, and respect for the entire community.”
August 19, 2011
New Democratic headquarters
The Democrats have opened a new office in Fort Lee. In this video report, Bergen County Democratic Committee Chairman Lou Stellato introduces a diverse and enthusiastic team.
"Unity is Victory" is the new party motto, and it is being taken very seriously, with everyone from Sen. Weinberg to County Coordinator Bang to Korean-American dignitary Andrew Kim, establishing the importance of the Asian community and vote in upcoming elections.
"Unity is Victory" is the new party motto, and it is being taken very seriously, with everyone from Sen. Weinberg to County Coordinator Bang to Korean-American dignitary Andrew Kim, establishing the importance of the Asian community and vote in upcoming elections.
This video is posted on Fort Lee Patch.
June 7, 2011
Unofficial Results
Vote tally from the Democratic Primary on June 7, 2011
Leonia Mayor
John DeSimone 654
Mary Heveran 251
Leonia Council
Gil Hawkins 667
Doug Salmon 708
See this and other results at NorthJersey.com Select a town on the interactive map.
Also read the election report "Bergen County voters decide primary races" at NorthJersey.com
Leonia Mayor
John DeSimone 654
Mary Heveran 251
Leonia Council
Gil Hawkins 667
Doug Salmon 708
See this and other results at NorthJersey.com Select a town on the interactive map.
Also read the election report "Bergen County voters decide primary races" at NorthJersey.com
"The race centered around the downtown business district, something DeSimone, as owner of Moore’s Hardware on Broad Avenue, is intimately familiar with, as well as taxes, traffic and making government more transparent."And the Bergen Beat article Leonia Democrats unseat incumbent mayor
"Leonia Democrats sought change in Tuesday’s primary, backing Councilman John DeSimone over Mayor Mary Heveran for the borough’s top office."
June 5, 2011
The new Democratic Municipal Committee
For the record, the 12 new Democratic Municipal Committee (DMC) members were elected by overwhelming majorities, so clearly their neighbors were well aware of their commitment to Leonia. Following is a partial list of the various boards and commissions on which they served:
Leonia Council
Board of Education
Planning Board
Board of Adjustment
Capital Budget Committee
Leonia Library Board
Recreation Commission
Historic Preservation Commission
Shade Tree Commission
Ambulance Corps
Leonia Summerstage
St. John's Food Pantry
Last year's dramatic election results demonstrated a lack of support for the old way of doing business in the Leonia Democratic party, choosing candidates and board members from an in-grown gene pool. It was a clear mandate from Leonia Democrats to encourage wider participation in the governing process.
Yes indeed! The voters spoke, and new, fresh faces and voices were elected to the DMC, charged with the responsibility to select the candidates for Mayor and Council. And those candidates we are asking you to vote for on Tuesday June 7 are. . .
Leonia Council
Board of Education
Planning Board
Board of Adjustment
Capital Budget Committee
Leonia Library Board
Recreation Commission
Historic Preservation Commission
Shade Tree Commission
Ambulance Corps
Leonia Summerstage
St. John's Food Pantry
Last year's dramatic election results demonstrated a lack of support for the old way of doing business in the Leonia Democratic party, choosing candidates and board members from an in-grown gene pool. It was a clear mandate from Leonia Democrats to encourage wider participation in the governing process.
Yes indeed! The voters spoke, and new, fresh faces and voices were elected to the DMC, charged with the responsibility to select the candidates for Mayor and Council. And those candidates we are asking you to vote for on Tuesday June 7 are. . .
John DeSimone for Mayor
Gil Hawkins & Doug Salmon for Council
June 3, 2011
The DMC's Choice for Mayor
For the sake of accuracy, there was no "political plot" against Mary Heveran. The Committee respects her many years of service. In fact, the Committee interviewed her first among the potential candidates during the candidate selection process.
The Committee is aware of the heavy responsibility it carries as the organization responsible under the election law for the selection of candidates. The decision NOT to nominate an incumbent was not taken lightly. However, Mayor Heveran's claim that incumbents should be automatically renominated flies in the face of the Democratic process. When Mary made such a request for support at a meeting with Senator Loretta Weinberg, Assemblymen Valerie Huttle and Gordon Johnson, and Bergen County Chairman Lou Stelatto her request was not supported. On the contrary, I was informed by those present that they supported the absolute right of the DMC to select its own slate. If incumbents were automatically supported for reelection, there would be no need for a duly elected Committee.
The Committee concluded that Mayor Heveran had made a number of questionable leadership decisions; for example, destroying an excellent website and dispensing with its world-class, volunteer experts. She removed highly qualified people from boards and commissions without cause, only to replace them with political allies. We believe that at least one highly respected commission chairman resigned over the issue of political appointments.
The Committee felt that last June's landslide vote for John DeSimone and DarrylWhitter for Council and for an entirely new Municipal Committee reflected a strong community desire for new leadership and a desire to move away from self-perpetuating political appointments. We believe that the vote reflected a sense of being ignored and unheard.
The Committee chose to nominate Councilman John DeSimone for Mayor because he has the kind of experience we feel is needed now. This was a unanimous choice. John has a proven record as a successful businessman, demonstrating skills of great value in the present climate. Moreover, we value his reputation for integrity, his straight-forward character, his independent judgment and his tireless willingness not just to listen, but to hear and respect the concerns of Leonians.
Bob Leap
Chair, Leonia DMC
see Campaign Blog at http://leoniademocrats.blogspot.com/
The Committee is aware of the heavy responsibility it carries as the organization responsible under the election law for the selection of candidates. The decision NOT to nominate an incumbent was not taken lightly. However, Mayor Heveran's claim that incumbents should be automatically renominated flies in the face of the Democratic process. When Mary made such a request for support at a meeting with Senator Loretta Weinberg, Assemblymen Valerie Huttle and Gordon Johnson, and Bergen County Chairman Lou Stelatto her request was not supported. On the contrary, I was informed by those present that they supported the absolute right of the DMC to select its own slate. If incumbents were automatically supported for reelection, there would be no need for a duly elected Committee.
The Committee concluded that Mayor Heveran had made a number of questionable leadership decisions; for example, destroying an excellent website and dispensing with its world-class, volunteer experts. She removed highly qualified people from boards and commissions without cause, only to replace them with political allies. We believe that at least one highly respected commission chairman resigned over the issue of political appointments.
The Committee felt that last June's landslide vote for John DeSimone and DarrylWhitter for Council and for an entirely new Municipal Committee reflected a strong community desire for new leadership and a desire to move away from self-perpetuating political appointments. We believe that the vote reflected a sense of being ignored and unheard.
The Committee chose to nominate Councilman John DeSimone for Mayor because he has the kind of experience we feel is needed now. This was a unanimous choice. John has a proven record as a successful businessman, demonstrating skills of great value in the present climate. Moreover, we value his reputation for integrity, his straight-forward character, his independent judgment and his tireless willingness not just to listen, but to hear and respect the concerns of Leonians.
Vote Column 1 Democrats - - Tuesday, June 7 - - 6:00 am to 8:00 pm
Chair, Leonia DMC
see Campaign Blog at http://leoniademocrats.blogspot.com/
May 24, 2011
See you at the debate on Thursday, June 2
On behalf of the Column 1 Democratic Candidates
John DeSimone for Mayor and
Gil Hawkins and Doug Salmon for Council
I want to thank everyone for stopping by Moore's on Sunday morning for a little continental breakfast and conversation. It was wonderful to hear and see the support...went through 125 cups of coffee and extended beyond scheduled time!!
Please join us for the upcoming debate on Thursday, June 2 at 7:30 pm at the Leonia Public Library sponsored by the League of Women Voters.
Thanks again.
Bob Leap
Chair, Leonia DMC
see Campaign Blog at http://leoniademocrats.blogspot.com/
May 19, 2011
"Coffee & Conversation" with the Candidates
Please Join Us
"Coffee & Conversation" with the Candidates
John DeSimone for Mayor
Gil Hawkins & Doug Salmon for Council
Sunday, May 22, 10:00 - Noon
Moore's Hardware – 335 Broad Avenue
May 7, 2011
April 8, 2011
Democratic Candidates Ready to Lead
Since November 2010, the Leonia Democratic Municipal Committee (LDMC) has been meeting bi-monthly to choose candidates for the 2011 elections. The LDMC approached and conducted interviews with a diverse group of more than 40 Leonia Democrats to consider both their viability and interest in running for office and to take on the important jobs of Mayor and Council.
As a result of these efforts, I am pleased and excited to announce that the Column 1 slate for the June 7th Primary Election is:
These candidates will continue the mission to build a stronger Leonia, which began last year when the entire DMC and the incumbent Democratic council candidates were overwhelmingly defeated in the June Primary. Last year’s elections demonstrated that Leonia’s electorate was dissatisfied with the existing Democratic leadership, including our current Mayor.
Throughout the past year the LDMC has been talking to Leonians in their districts to understand what is important to them and what they expect from the Mayor and Council. One of the issues of concern we keep hearing about is the need for a revitalized business district. Leonia’s downtown is like a smile with a batch of very visible cavities. We have more vacant storefronts than ever and a development policy that seems to be schizophrenic. We’re looking to promote a makeover!
This is one reason why we’re running a businessman, John DeSimone, for Mayor. John has managed the flagship store in town for over 40 years. He has served as the “people’s” mayor all these years, discussing issues of importance to Leonians on a daily basis. He has been successful as a small businessman in spite of pressures from Home Depot and Lowe's that have led to the downfall of similar small businesses. This expertise is what we need to “turn it around” and develop a thriving Leonia.
John is new to the mayoralty, and we want “new.” Working with our two council candidates and the existing council, of which he is a member, John can lead us where we need to go in building a stronger business environment and a better Leonia.
As for our council candidates. . .
Gil Hawkins has demonstrated a continued passion for doing what is best to develop a sustainable Leonia, with a strong future. He was the first to push the use of solar panels in town, which is now a reality that will lead to cost efficiencies and a greener Leonia. And, of course, Gil heads up the Overpeck Preserve, a natural, environmental habitat that is so important to Leonia and our neighbors.
A new face on the slate is Doug Salmon. Doug moved to Leonia almost 40 years ago with his wife, Maria Di Dia and four kids. He has worked as a concerned citizen behind the scenes to facilitate last year’s change in Leonia’s political landscape. He’s a Director and Treasurer of the Leonia Taxpayers’ Association and has been a moderator on Leonia’s Listserv. Doug is retired from a fulfilling career as a senior executive and Board Member in a number of public and private technology firms. He also consulted with several firms and successfully helped them achieve growth and profits. He achieved this by asking questions, stimulating discussion and coaching the principals. This is exactly the kind of expertise that will make Doug a strong councilman as he helps Leonia address its issues and drive effective change. Doug served in the Air Force Reserves after graduating from Penn State with a BS in Business Administration. He is also a committed life member of the Sierra Club.
You will be hearing more about our candidates and platform in the months ahead. John, Gil and Doug are exactly the team we need to lead Leonia today!
Bob Leap
Chairman, LDMC
As a result of these efforts, I am pleased and excited to announce that the Column 1 slate for the June 7th Primary Election is:
For Mayor: John DeSimone
For Council: Gil Hawkins and Doug Salmon
These candidates will continue the mission to build a stronger Leonia, which began last year when the entire DMC and the incumbent Democratic council candidates were overwhelmingly defeated in the June Primary. Last year’s elections demonstrated that Leonia’s electorate was dissatisfied with the existing Democratic leadership, including our current Mayor.
Throughout the past year the LDMC has been talking to Leonians in their districts to understand what is important to them and what they expect from the Mayor and Council. One of the issues of concern we keep hearing about is the need for a revitalized business district. Leonia’s downtown is like a smile with a batch of very visible cavities. We have more vacant storefronts than ever and a development policy that seems to be schizophrenic. We’re looking to promote a makeover!
This is one reason why we’re running a businessman, John DeSimone, for Mayor. John has managed the flagship store in town for over 40 years. He has served as the “people’s” mayor all these years, discussing issues of importance to Leonians on a daily basis. He has been successful as a small businessman in spite of pressures from Home Depot and Lowe's that have led to the downfall of similar small businesses. This expertise is what we need to “turn it around” and develop a thriving Leonia.
John is new to the mayoralty, and we want “new.” Working with our two council candidates and the existing council, of which he is a member, John can lead us where we need to go in building a stronger business environment and a better Leonia.
As for our council candidates. . .
Gil Hawkins has demonstrated a continued passion for doing what is best to develop a sustainable Leonia, with a strong future. He was the first to push the use of solar panels in town, which is now a reality that will lead to cost efficiencies and a greener Leonia. And, of course, Gil heads up the Overpeck Preserve, a natural, environmental habitat that is so important to Leonia and our neighbors.
A new face on the slate is Doug Salmon. Doug moved to Leonia almost 40 years ago with his wife, Maria Di Dia and four kids. He has worked as a concerned citizen behind the scenes to facilitate last year’s change in Leonia’s political landscape. He’s a Director and Treasurer of the Leonia Taxpayers’ Association and has been a moderator on Leonia’s Listserv. Doug is retired from a fulfilling career as a senior executive and Board Member in a number of public and private technology firms. He also consulted with several firms and successfully helped them achieve growth and profits. He achieved this by asking questions, stimulating discussion and coaching the principals. This is exactly the kind of expertise that will make Doug a strong councilman as he helps Leonia address its issues and drive effective change. Doug served in the Air Force Reserves after graduating from Penn State with a BS in Business Administration. He is also a committed life member of the Sierra Club.
You will be hearing more about our candidates and platform in the months ahead. John, Gil and Doug are exactly the team we need to lead Leonia today!
Bob Leap
Chairman, LDMC
March 10, 2011
Lou Stelatto Elected Chair of Bergen County Democrats
On Tuesday, March 8, members of the Leonia Democratic Municipal Committee (LDMC) participated in the countywide meeting at which Lou Stelatto was elected Chairman of the Bergen County Democratic Organization. Mr. Stelatto attended a recent meeting of the LDMC at which he spoke of his vision for the county organization and answered questions from the committee members. He explained how he got involved in Democratic politics, beginning in 1982, and served as a municipal committeeman, councilman, and mayor of Lyndhurst. He has been the Chair of the Lyndhurst DMC for the past 20 years. Mr. Stelatto shared that this was a good time for him to assume the county chair position, as his grown children were now managing his funeral home business.
He explained how he felt the county Democratic organization had lost sight of its mission in recent years and become known more for its corruption than for representing the ideals of the party. He wants to return to the “grass roots” efforts of the past in running elections, which the LDMC shared was how they had won their election in 2010. He plans to eliminate “pay-to-play” cash accepted from around the state that funded recent overspent county campaigns that relied heavily on New York TV ads. His plan is to do more targeted, less expensive local media spending and more “door-to-door” campaigning from the bottom up at the local level.
Mr. Stelatto said that we would not use the county chair position to interfere with the work of local DMCs. However, he would rely on the local committees to build campaign support for all Democratic candidates. In an effort to involve more people, he will be looking to the local DMCs for people to participate on policy, campaign strategy and recruiting committees.
After he left, the LDMC members briefly discussed their response to Mr. Stelatto’s presentation. Some of the feedback shared was that he appeared to be honest and sincere, he understood what the problems were and had ideas to address them, he was interested in ending “pay-to-play” practices, he was willing to empower others to be involved, and that he was a “breath of fresh air” after the last two county chairs. There was consensus within the group that we would support Mr. Stelatto’s election and his term as county chair.
He explained how he felt the county Democratic organization had lost sight of its mission in recent years and become known more for its corruption than for representing the ideals of the party. He wants to return to the “grass roots” efforts of the past in running elections, which the LDMC shared was how they had won their election in 2010. He plans to eliminate “pay-to-play” cash accepted from around the state that funded recent overspent county campaigns that relied heavily on New York TV ads. His plan is to do more targeted, less expensive local media spending and more “door-to-door” campaigning from the bottom up at the local level.
Mr. Stelatto said that we would not use the county chair position to interfere with the work of local DMCs. However, he would rely on the local committees to build campaign support for all Democratic candidates. In an effort to involve more people, he will be looking to the local DMCs for people to participate on policy, campaign strategy and recruiting committees.
After he left, the LDMC members briefly discussed their response to Mr. Stelatto’s presentation. Some of the feedback shared was that he appeared to be honest and sincere, he understood what the problems were and had ideas to address them, he was interested in ending “pay-to-play” practices, he was willing to empower others to be involved, and that he was a “breath of fresh air” after the last two county chairs. There was consensus within the group that we would support Mr. Stelatto’s election and his term as county chair.
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