Leonia Council Election: Final Results

Council candidates Greg Makroulakis, Peter Knott and I.S. Pak secured the three open seats on the council in an uncontested race during the Nov. 6 election.

Bob Leap reports that the Bergen County Clerk's office has posted the "official" results of the November 6 election.   It appears that approx. 175 mail in or provisional ballots were cast in Leonia.

Council (3-year term)
Greg Makroulakis - 2276
I.S. Pak - 2145

Council (1-year term)
Peter Knott - 2203

(update of original Nov. 7 post)

Democrats regain control of Bergen County Freeholder board

The Democrats swept the race for Bergen County's Board of Chosen Freeholders, adding two seats and taking control of the board.

As of late Tuesday evening, Democrats Steve Tanelli and Tracy Silna Zur had received 159,522 and 154,626 votes, respectively, to incumbent Republican Robert Hermansen's 127,853 and runningmate Margaret "Peg" Watkins' 124,571, with 99 percent of precincts reporting.

The Democrats will take control of the freeholder board, but will have to work alongside County Executive Kathleen Donovan, a Republican.

Read the full article reported by S.P. Sullivan at NJ.com

Polling place changes

SOME POLL LOCATIONS HAVE BEEN CHANGED AS A RESULT OF THE STORM. 
HERE'S WHERE TO VOTE ON NOV. 6

District 1 - All Saints Church, Park Avenue - the same as usual

District 2 - Recreation Center (Main Gymnasium) - normally at Anna C. Scott - enter Rec through Broad Avenue

District 3 - Recreation Center (Main Gymnasium) - normally at Anna C. Scott - enter Rec through Broad Avenue

District 4 - Recreation Center (Teen Center) - the same as usual - enter Rec through side entrance opposite Fire Headquarters

District 5 - Recreation Center (Main Gymnasium) - normally at Borough Hall Annex, Little House - enter Rec through Broad Avenue

District 6 - Recreation Center (Meeting Room) - normally at Middle School - enter Rec through Broad Avenue

Democratic Calling Center in Hackensack

A calling center for the Democratic campaign (including President Obama) is open to volunteers from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm at Bergen Democratic Headquarters, 15 Dyatt Place (off River Road across from Target) in Hackensack. Volunteers can just show up during the available hours.

Democratic Committee of Bergen County
15 Dyatt Place
Hackensack, NJ 07601
Phone: 201-487-0001

Re-elect President Obama

For those interested in working to re-elect President Obama, below is a list of links and events scheduled between now and Election day.

Bergen County PA Canvass - Weekend of Action - Saturdays
Oct 27, 2012 8:00:00 AM

Bergen County- PA Canvass Ready to Go Weekend of Action - Sundays
Oct 28, 2012 10:30:00 AM

Bergen For Obama - Phone Bank Teaneck - Mondays
Oct 29, 2012 5:00:00 PM

Bergen For Obama - Phone Bank Cliffside Park - Tuesdays
Oct 30, 2012 5:00:00 PM

Bergen For Obama - Phone Bank -Teaneck - Thursday s
Oct 25, 2012 5:00:00 PM

Bergen For Obama - Phone Bank Mahwah - Fridays
Oct 26, 2012 4:00:00 PM


Special GOTV Events in November – From Friday 11/2 – Monday 11/5 – sign-up to your shift now.
(includes OOS - Out of State Canvass)

Bergen For Obama GOTV Phone Bank - Teaneck – Friday, Sat, and Monday
Nov 2, 2012 - 10:00 AM , 1:00 PM , 4:00 PM
Nov 3, 2012 - 10:00 AM , 1:00 PM , 4:00 PM
Nov 5, 2012 - 10:00 AM , 1:00 PM , 4:00 PM

OOS Bergen NJ to PA Sat. Shift #1 - Saturday
· Nov 3, 2012 8:00:00 AM

OOS Bergen NJ to PA Sat Shift #2 - Saturday
· Nov 3, 2012 11:30:00 AM

OOS Bergen NJ to PA Sat. Shift #3 – Saturday
· Nov 3, 2012 2:30:00 PM

OOS Bergen NJ to PA Sun. Shift #1 - Sunday
· Nov 4, 2012 8:00:00 AM

OOS Bergen NJ to PA Sun. Shift #2 - Sunday
· Nov 4, 2012 11:30:00 AM

OOS Bergen NJ to PA Sun. shift #3 – Sunday
· Nov 4, 2012 2:30:00 PM

For more information, email Leah Roland

League of Women Voters explains Two Ballot Questions

On November 6, you will find two questions on the ballot.

Public Question #1
BUILDING OUR FUTURE BOND ACT

Public Question #2
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT ALLOWING CONTRIBUTION TO BE TAKEN FROM JUSTICES’ AND JUDGES’ SALARIES FOR THEIR EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Go to the League of Women Voters of New Jersey web site for an explanation of these issues. The analysis includes the exact text of the two questions as well as:

• The interpretive statement
• Background 
• Reasons to vote yes
• Reasons to vote no

You can reach the League of Women Voters of New Jersey at 609-394-3303 or via email at contact@lwvnj.org

Show your support for the Democratic candidates

The Leonia Democratic Municipal Committee will be manning a table in front of Moore's Hardware on Saturday, Oct. 13 from Noon - 2:00 pm.

They will have lawn signs, window signs and other campaign materials in support of the entire Democratic Party slate - Obama/Biden, Menendez, Pascrell, Tanelli/Zur, Makroulakis/Pak/Knott.

Please stop by to chat and to show your support for the Democratic candidates.

Bob Leap
Chair, Leonia DMC
201 Oratam Terrace

Vote Democratic on November 6

Make Sure YOUR Vote Counts!

Election Day – November 6, 2012

The Leonia Democratic Municipal Committee (DMC) understands the importance of everyone exercising their right to vote to elect the people to lead our country, state, county and community. That is why we are providing the following information and links to resources that will enable you to register to vote or obtain an application to vote by mail.

VOTER REGISTRATION FORMS

Who Should Register

• All Leonia residents 18 years and older who are U.S. citizens and who currently are not registered to vote.

Where to Obtain Voter Registration Forms

• Municipal Clerk, Leonia Borough Hall
• Bergen County Elections Office
  One Bergen County Plaza
  Hackensack, NJ
• Click here for the Mail In Voter Registration Application 

Voter Registration Forms must be completed and received by the Bergen County Clerk’s office in Hackensack by Tuesday, October 16 to be eligible to vote Nov. 6.

APPLICATION FOR VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOTS

APPLICATION FOR VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOTS

Who Should Vote By Mail

• Anyone who will be out of town on election day
• College students who are registered to vote in Leonia
• Anyone who can’t make it to the polls for health reasons
• Anyone who would like to vote early

Where to Obtain Mail-in Ballot Application

• Municipal Clerk, Leonia Borough Hall
• Bergen County Elections Office
  One Bergen County Plaza
  Hackensack, NJ
• Click here for the Application for Vote By Mail Ballot 

Mail-in ballot applications must be received in the County Clerk's office (not postmarked) by close of business no later than seven days prior to Election Day ( October 30.)

Municipal Chair to Coordinate District Campaign for Democratic Freeholder Candidates

On June 26, several members of the Leonia DMC joined DMC members from other District 37 towns at a meeting at the Bergen County Democratic Headquarters in Hackensack to elect a new District Chair. State Senator Loretta Weinberg and Assembly Members Valerie Huttle and Gordon Johnson were present along with Bergen County Democratic Chair, Lou Stellato.

Senator Weinberg nominated Dave Lorenzo of Palisades Park to serve a second two-year term as Chairman of District 37 of the Bergen County Democratic Party. His nomination was seconded by several attendees, and he was elected by a unanimous vote of acclamation by those present.

Bob Leap

Prior to the election, Municipal Chair, Bob Leap met privately with County Chairman Lou Stellato. During this meeting, Bob spoke with the Chairman about the newly elected Leonia DMC and his re-election as Municipal Chair. Bob also shared with the Chairman that the Leonia DMC was questioning how much support they could expect from the county organization. Chairman Stellato assured Bob that he is unwavering in his continued backing of the Leonia group and applauded our recent successes in transforming the Leonia Mayor and Council and the DMC.

At the meeting, Chairman Stellato asked Bob to take on the role of District 37 coordinator for the election of Democratic Freeholder candidates in the November election. Bob agreed to accept the assignment which will involve working with the Democratic Municipal Chairs of the other towns in District 37 to ensure they understand the strategies they need to implement to deliver a victory for the Democratic Freeholders at the polls.

Democratic Freeholder candidates Tracy Zur and Steve Tanelli were introduced to the group before the meeting was adjourned.

“We are all One Team,” Says Congressman Bill Pascrell

After his June 5 Primary victory against long-time Bergen County Congressman Steve Rothman, Bill Pascrell is faced with the challenge of bringing Bergen and Passaic County together. Pascrell’s home base, the city of Paterson is now the power center of District 9, or perhaps it just feels that way to some Bergenites. We feel confident that Pascrell will be able to temper those concerns. “We are all one team,” he says. At the June 12 reorganization meeting of the Bergen County Democratic Organization, Congressman Pascrell said he stood “100 percent” with County Chair Lou Stellato, who was re-elected. We look forward to getting to know Congressman Pascrell and trust he will be visiting Leonia in the near future. Our best wishes go to Congressman Steve Rothman who served our district so well for 16 years.

Learn about the DMC members

Replay slideshow

Leonia DMC Holds Re-org Meeting

Nine of the twelve newly elected members of the Leonia Democratic Municipal Committee (DMC) participated in a re-organization meeting at the Parfae Cake House on Sunday, June 10.  At this brief meeting, Bob Leap was elected to continue in the role of Municipal Chair, while Nina Gaetjens was chosen Vice Chair.  According to Leonia DMC by-laws (supported by county by-laws) Municipal Chair is the only office that can be filled by someone who is not one of the elected committee people.  Bob thanked the committee for the overwhelming support of his re-appointment and he said he was looking forward to working with them to identify, nominate and elect Democratic Candidates for Mayor and Council who will best represent and serve the Leonia Community.

After a brief discussion of the upcoming County Meeting, the meeting was adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for June 19.

DMC Election results

The following Leonians were elected to the Democratic Municipal Committee in the June 5 Primary.

DISTRICT ONE

• Nina Gaetjens  351 Oakdene Ave 
• Steve Churchill 145 Oakdene Ave 

DISTRICT TWO

• Alan Winters 125 Knapp Terrace 
• Aviva Djiji-Levy 402 Richmond Place 

DISTRICT THREE

• Leah Roland 186 Crescent Ave 
• Fred Marx 228 Fort Lee Road 

DISTRICT FOUR

• Jing Chen 21 Cottage Place 
• Mark Spiegel 122 Wood Terrace 

DISTRICT FIVE

• Mary Ellen Tucker 28 Linden Terrace 
• Michael Raskin 24 Hawthorne Terrace 

DISTRICT SIX

• Ellen Terzini 171 Hillcrest Ave 
• Chris Terzini 171 Hillcrest Ave

Vote Column 2 on June 5th

Primary Election

Tuesday June 5th

Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

See the DMC slideshow for more information

about the Municipal Committee candidates

Mayor DeSimone schedules Borough-wide meeting

Dear Friends and Neighbors:

I have scheduled a Borough-wide meeting to invite discussion on issues of both general and local concern. Each of the six political districts will caucus to identify concerns regarding their immediate neighborhoods and then meet in a general session to share opinions and ideas.

Some of the topics that will be discussed are:

Police Protection - what can they do for us and what can we do for them

• How the light rail may affect your area 
• What can we do to increase positive use of Overpeck Park and minimize disruption 
• Rethinking zoning to reduce tax burden 
• Reviewing our Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment processes 
• Expanding recreation facilities/community center 
• Whatever else Leonians have on their minds 

The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday May 9th, 7:30PM at the Anna C. Scott School Cafeteria, Broad and Crescent Avenues.

John DeSimone, Mayor
335 Broad Avenue

update: See the Mayor's report on this meeting

Leonia Council candidates 2012

The Leonia DMC is proud to support the following Democratic Candidates for Leonia Council. These candidates will be listed in Column 2 on the June 5 Primary Ballot.

Three Year terms

• I.S. Pak - incumbent
• Greg Makroulakis

One Year term

• Peter Knott - incumbent

DMC candidates 2012

The following Leonians have stepped forward to run for the Democratic Municipal Committee from their districts. Their names will appear on the June 5 Primary Ballot in Column 2.

DISTRICT ONE
Nina Gaetjens   351 Oakdene Ave
Steve Churchill    145 Oakdene Ave

DISTRICT TWO
Alan Winters   125 Knapp Terrace
Aviva Djiji-Levy   402 Richmond Place

DISTRICT THREE
Leah Roland  186 Crescent Ave
Fred Marx   228 Fort Lee Road

DISTRICT FOUR
Jing Chen   21 Cottage Place
Mark Spiegel   122 Wood Terrace

DISTRICT FIVE
Mary Ellen Tucker   28 Linden Terrace
Michael Raskin   24 Hawthorne Terrace

DISTRICT SIX
Ellen Terzini   171 Hillcrest Ave
Chris Terzini   171 Hillcrest Ave

Bergen County Democratic Convention

On Thursday, March 15, a majority of the Leonia DMC, Mayor John DeSimone, and several Leonia councilmen attended and cast votes at the Bergen County Democratic Convention in Paramus. The main event was the battle between Congressman Steve Rothman and Congressman Bill Pascrell for the Bergen Democrat's nomination for the newly rezoned 9th Congressional District seat. There was a flurry of activity both outside and inside the convention as partisan supporters for both candidates lobbied for votes. Rothman won the nomination by a 5-to-1 margin over Pascrell.

New Councilman I.S. Pak

Congratulations to Leonia's newest councilman I.S. Pak. I.S. was selected to fill the second year of the seat vacated by John DeSimone, when he became mayor, by a unanimous vote of the Council last night. I.S. was chosen from a list of three nominations submitted by the Leonia DMC that included Chris Terzini and Bob Leap. The candidate to fill the third and final year of John's unexpired term will be voted on in the November 2012 election.

Bob Leap
Chair, Leonia DMC
201 Oratam Terrace


Read more at NorthJersey.com
"A self-described "relatively newcomer," Pak has lived in Leonia since 2006.
Despite his six year residence, Pak has wasted no time involving himself in the community. He previously served on the Board of Education and worked with the Korean community as well as the Democratic Club."

Mayor John DeSimone

John DeSimone was sworn in as the new Mayor of Leonia by State Senator Loretta Weinberg. A standing-room only crowd attended the meeting to welcome John as Mayor. The ceremony included administering the Oath of Office to continuing Councilman Gil Hawkins and new Councilman Doug Salmon. Assemblywoman Valerie Huttle and Assemblyman Gordon Johnson joined Senator Weinberg in congratulating the new team.

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.

Click here to learn more about Rothman's decision:

http://www.northjersey.com/news/Democrats_pick_sides.html

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

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.

We stand strongly behind pay-to-play reform.  Please be assured of our support.

Bob Leap

Chairman 

Leonia DMC

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

__._,_.___

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.

Voter Guide

http://www.co.bergen.nj.us/elections/VoterGuide.html

You are eligible to register if:

1. You are a citizen of the United States.
2. You are a Bergen County resident 30 days before the election.
3. You will be 18
4. You are not incarcerated, on parole, or on probation due to a conviction for an indictable offense under any federal or state laws.

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.”

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.

This video is posted on Fort Lee Patch.

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

"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."

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. . .

John DeSimone for Mayor
Gil Hawkins & Doug Salmon for Council

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.

Vote Column 1 Democrats - - Tuesday, June 7 - - 6:00 am to 8:00 pm

Bob Leap
Chair, Leonia DMC


see Campaign Blog at http://leoniademocrats.blogspot.com/

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/

"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

Coffee - Orange Juice - Bagels - Pastry


see Campaign Blog at http://leoniademocrats.blogspot.com/

Join us at the Spring Fling on May 14

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:

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

See the  Primary 2011 Campaign blog

John DeSimone for Mayor

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.

Mayor and Council meeting on Monday, January 3, 2011

Please plan to attend the Leonia Mayor and Council meeting on Monday, January 3 at 7:30 pm in the Borough Annex. At this time, we can all express our thanks to Ingrid Brennan and Karl Norgaard for their service as exemplary council members.

We can also celebrate the swearing in of John DeSimone and Darryl Whitter as our newest members of the Leonia Council. After a brief reorganization meeting, refreshments will be served.

Hope to see you all on Monday as we celebrate the sustainability of Leonia governance.

Bob Leap
Chairman
Leonia DMC
201 Oratam Terrace

LDMC Meeting November 16, 2010

Building the Democratic Slate for 2011

The LDMC met on Tuesday, November 16 and spent the first part of the meeting debriefing the recent election. We were pleased that our efforts were successful in electing John DeSimone and Darryl Whitter to the Leonia Town Council. We were also proud that we were able to deliver a complete Democratic victory in all contests at the national and county level in Leonia. However, only Representative Steve Rothman was successful in his race to return to the U.S. Congress from District 37, while all the county contests were lost to the Republican slate

Most of the meeting was focused on the process for selecting a Democratic slate of local candidates to run for Mayor and two Council seats for the 2011 primary election. To be included on the ballot for the June primary, candidates must have their petitions (with 40 signatures) submitted to the County Board of Elections by March 2, 2011. The LDMC decided on an initial list of Leonians to contact to determine their interest in running for local office. We will continue this process until we have a “short list” of interested candidates. These people, along with the current incumbents, will be asked to interview with the entire LDMC, sometime in January. The LDMC will use the interviews to determine the final slate of candidates.

The LDMC also spent time at the November meeting discussing what role we want to play in trying to bring about reforms in the Bergen County Democratic Organization. We asked a sub-committee to give this topic further attention and to come back to the entire committee with a suggested plan for moving forward.

Unofficial Election Results for Leonia Council

1582  John DeSimone
1304  Darryl Whitter
 880  John Stendor

For details by district, see "Unofficial Results by District"

A Message from Bob Leap

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I’m writing to my fellow Democrats to once again thank you for your overwhelming support this past June in electing an entirely new Municipal Committee and in selecting our two Council candidates, John DeSimone and Darryl Whitter, to run as the Democratic candidates in the November General Election. I also want you to know that your Municipal Committee has been hard at work fulfilling the pledges we made during the campaign. We’ve created two new blogs: “LeoniaToday” (http://leoniatoday.blogspot.com), which provides current information on topics and issues that impact Leonia; and “LDMC” (http://leoniadmc.blogspot.com), where you can keep up-to-date on the activities of your Democratic Municipal Committee. Please visit both of these sites to see what your fellow Democrats and otherLeonians are up to.

We Leonians are being bombarded from every direction. We’re faced with rising taxes, fewer services, overdevelopment, and the impact of light rail. Although the changing times are creating new problems, John and Darryl are ready to be two strong voices on the Leonia Council in meeting the challenges head on. That is why it is so important for you to come out and vote for John and Darryl on Tuesday, November 2nd.

I also am asking that you support our fellow Democrats in Column 2 who share our same basic values. Steve Rothman, who heads our ticket, has been a super-effective Congressman. And our team in Hackensack, led by County Executive Dennis McNerney, has produced many benefits for Leonians, including:

• Completion of the “new” Overpeck Park 
• Refurbishing the (North) Soccer Field and building six new tennis courts for use by our High School sports teams 
• Serving thousands of Meals-on-Wheels to our seniors 
• Paving Fort Lee Road 
• Providing more than $1 million in open space and community block grants 

The entire Democratic Team stands ready to support our local officials to build a better Leonia. So when you go to the polls on Tuesday, November 2nd, vote for John DeSimone and Darryl Whitter for Leonia Council, and for the entire Column 2 team.

Sincerely,
Bob Leap
Chairman, Leonia Democratic Municipal Committee

VOTE DEMOCRATIC
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 2
COLUMN 2 

LDMC meeting September 13, 2010

State Legislators Visit September LDMC Meeting

We were pleased to welcome State Senator Loretta Weinberg and Assemblymen Valerie Huttle and Gordon Johnson to our September meeting of the Leonia Democratic Municipal Committee. Each of our guests spoke about the current state of the Democratic Party in Bergen County and all of New Jersey. They all pointed out the importance for us to get behind and work to support the entire Democratic Slate in the upcoming election. They also spoke with us on how we can have a positive influence on the future of the Bergen County Democratic Organization. They concluded their visit by taking questions from the group.

The remainder of the meeting was spent discussing the campaign for Leonia council candidates John DeSimone and Darryl Whitter. Jean Arbeiter was present to bring the DMC up-to-date on the Democratic Rally planned for September 19 at the Leonia American Legion. DMC members were asked to provide baskets and goods for the silent auction, and to volunteer for set up and clean up on the day of the event. There was great support and excitement expressed by DMC members for the event.

The Democratic Rally was a great success!

A special thanks to the almost 200 people who attended the "Jazz in the Afternoon" Democratic Rally yesterday afternoon at the Leonia American Legion. The Harlem Blues and Jazz Band was superlative and the energetic support of our Democratic candidates was tremendous. This truly was a special event that united the Democrats of Leonia and promoted respect and appreciation for all the residents of the town. Let's continue to support John DeSimone and Darryl Whitter for Leonia Town Council.

Bob Leap
Leonia DMC Chair

Representative Steve Rothman

 The Harlem Blues and Jazz Band

Senator Loretta Weinberg

Invitation from Democrats For a Better Leonia

The Leonia Democrats invite you to 

a Campaign Kick-Off Event in support of 
John DeSimone and Darryl Whitter
for Leonia Council

JAZZ IN THE AFTERNOON

Sunday, September 19, 4 to 6 

at the American Legion Hall on Broad Avenue

Featuring wonderful music from 

the Harlem Jazz & Blues Band

And special guests:  

Steve Rothman

Loretta Weinberg

Dennis McNerney

National Night Out

The LDMC participated in the "National Night Out" program in Leonia on Monday evening, August 2nd.
A table, complete with a banner (announcing the Leonia Democratic Municipal Committee), balloons, and complimentary popped corn attracted a number of Leonians (both Democrat and Republican) who engaged in conversations with many of the committee members in attendance. In the spirt of the evening, the committee distributed materials on home safety.

Bob Leap

LDMC meeting July 26, 2010

The DMC met on July 26th and engaged in a committee discussion where we all articulated what we think the Democrats in Leonia are looking for from the LDMC, and what some of our personal goals are for the LDMC. The outcomes from the discussion will be incorporated into a new LDMC Mission Statement and Goals, which is in development.

The Committee also met with Bergen County Executive Dennis McNerney and Freeholder Candidate John Hogan. The challenges of the upcoming election were discussed, and the committee expressed their concerns about issues that have been raised in connection with the New Overpeck Park. The DMC also raised concerns about the proposed new bridge, ongoing maintenance of the park, and light rail issues.

Bob Leap

LDMC Update

The Leonia DMC met on June 28 to complete the election of officers and to begin to plan for the future. The following were elected: Melinda Dean Aranda - Vice Chair; Anne Bonadies - Recording Secretary; and John Zeaman - Corresponding Secretary. In addition, the following subcommittees were established: Mission Statement, Campaign, Get Out the Vote and Communication. Our by-laws were reviewed and accepted by acclamation. To increase communication from the LDMC to the community, we will complete the development of two blogs which will launch in July. The committee reaffirmed their interest in attending Mayor & Council, Planning Board, and Adjustment Board meetings to keep current on initiatives and key topics of interest to Leonia.

The committee also met with District 37 Chairman candidates Dave Lorenzo of Palisades Park and Ilan Plawker of Englewood Cliffs. Each candidate provided a brief explanation of why they were running for district chair and fielded questions from committee members.

On June 29th, 11 of the 12 LDMC members participated in the District 37 meeting and elections. Dave Lorenzo was elected Chairman by a vote of 97 to 55.  The Bergen County Democratic Organization also voted for Northvale Mayor John Hogan to fill the unexpired term of former county Freeholder Tomas Padilla in an uncontested election.

Bob Leap
Chairman, LDMC
Leonia, New Jersey

LDMC Officers

At the reorganization meeting on June 14, Bob Leap was elected to serve as Chair of the Committee.
The following officers were elected at the meeting on June 28:

• Vice Chair - Melinda Dean Aranda
• Recording Secretary  - Anne Bonadies
• Corresponding Secretary - John Zeaman

Democratic Municipal Committee Update

On Monday, June 14 the newly elected Leonia Democratic Municipal Committee held its reorganization meeting. Outgoing DMC Chair, Robert Pacicco, facilitated the smooth transition at this meeting. We express our many thanks to Robert for his years of service as chair of the DMC.

Our first order of business was to elect a new DMC Chair. I was pleased to accept this role that was decided by unanimous vote of the committee. The only other business conducted on Monday was completing a number of forms to be submitted to the County Democratic Organization.

The next night, Tuesday, June 15, the DMC attended the Bergen County Democratic Organization meeting in Hackensack. At this meeting, we participated in the election of the county officers, all of whom ran unopposed. We also had an opportunity to meet Michael Kasparian, the BCDO Chair, and several other Democratic county officials.

We will be meeting over the summer to formulate our plans moving forward. We understand the trust that Leonia Democrats have placed in us, and will do everything possible to meet and exceed your expectations.

Stay tuned.

Bob Leap
Leonia DMC Chair 

Thank You Leonia!

On behalf of the Democrats for a Better Leonia we want to thank the hundreds of voters who supported our Campaign and voted for us. Today you proved what we believed to be the case, that Leonians yearned for a new era in local politics. An era in which we citizens were fully informed on issues and were given significant opportunities to effect policy decisions.
We pledge to inform you and engage you in the decisions that lie ahead, to serve you to the best of our abilities and to deserve the trust you have placed in us.

John DeSimone & Darryl Whitter
On behalf of all of our Municipal Committee Candidates
335 Broad Avenue

The Results are In!

We have the unofficial returns from the June 8 Primary Election.
Here are the totals for the race for the Council

John DeSimone 741
Darryl Whitter 629
Ingrid Brennan 371
Karl Norgaard 316
Marcia Wilson 64

See the full report