Mark Minichiello joins the Council

The borough council welcomed Mark Minichiello as its ranks on Nov. 13, replacing former Councilman I.S. Pak. Senator Loretta Weinberg came to the meeting to swear in Minichiello as he stood alongside his wife and two sons.

Read the article at NorthJersey.com

Another team victory !

Congratulations to the team: Bernadette Flaim, Mark Minichiello, and Darryl Whitter.

Districts	1	2	3	4	5	6	Totals
Darryl Whitter	219	189	181	142	212	123	1066
Bernadette Flaim	224	210	198	156	232	137	1157
Mark Minichiello	207	186	169	133	178	114	987
Maureen Havlusch	110	72	85	86	117	77	547

 See the traditional tally.

Leonia Council: Unofficial Election Results 

Bagels, Lox and 
Connect with the Candidates

Saturday, November 2nd

11:00am to 1:00 pm

Moore's Hardware, Broad Avenue

VOTE DEMOCRATIC  •  COLUMN 2   •  NOVEMBER 5

---

Leonia Democratic Municipal Committee Members

                     DIST 1: Nina Gaetjens • Steve Churchill     DIST 4: Stephanie A. Keller • Mark Spiegel
                     DIST 2: Aviva Djiji-Levy • Alan Winters       DIST 5: Mary Ellen Tucker • Michael Raskin
                     DIST 3: Leah Roland • Fred Marx               DIST 6: Sally Seymour • Arnold Trachtenberg

Congratulations to our new Senator, Cory Booker

New Jersey Senate 2013 Results 

Cory A. Booker  Dem. 724,733 54.8%
Steven Lonegan   Rep. 584,349 44.2
Others                            14,076 1.1

Cory Booker will be sworn in to the U.S. Senate on Oct. 31.

Read more at  the New York Times and NorthJersey.com

Vote tomorrow for Cory Booker

A reminder to all to vote tomorrow Wednesday October 16 in the Special U.S. Senate Election. 

Below is a link to review the candidates and it is no secret that Cory Booker is the best choice to represent New Jersey and he is our favored candidate.

http://votersedge.org/united-states/2013/october/new-jersey/candidates/senator/212-cory-booker

Subscribe to We Democrats, a new publication of the Democrats for a Better Leonia

Hello Neighbor,

This is an invitation to subscribe to We Democrats,
a new publication of the Democrats for a Better Leonia.

Democrat, Republican or Independent - our objective is
to keep you informed of important activities in Leonia
as we move forward toward the betterment of our community.

To sign up for this publication click on the link below

We Democrats

http://eepurl.com/FYSe9

Your information will not be shared and you can safely unsubscribe at any time.

Democratic slate for Leonia Council

Mark Minichiello joins the Democratic slate of incumbent Darryl Whitter and previously nominated Bernadette Flaim.

A talented merchandising executive, Mark was selected by Leonia's DMC to fill an unexpired Council Term.

See the full press release.

Leonia council selects Fusco to replace Pak

On August 12, the Council selected Pat Fusco to replace Councilman I.S. Pak, who resigned in July.  Mr Fusco will serve until the November election.  Following the standard process, the chair of the Municipal Committee, Alan Winters, submitted the names of three nominees to the council, including Fusco, Frank Rovelli Jr., and Dylan Hawkins.

Read more about the process at NorthJersey.com

Democratic Candidates for Borough Council

Meet the Candidates Bernadette Flaim & Darryl Whitter  For Leonia Borough Council

Cheese, Crackers and Candidates Democratic Candidates for Borough Council, incumbent Darryl Whitter and his running mate the dynamic Bernadette Flaim,  are looking forward to meeting fellow Leonians on Saturday, June 1 at Moore's Hardware Store.   Although running unopposed in the Democratic Primary, they are eager to hear their neighbors comments, concerns and suggestions.

Meet the Candidates on June 1

BERNADETTE FLAIM and DARRYL WHITTER 

Bernadette and Darryl at Leonia Day

Democratic Candidates for Borough Council,
incumbent Darryl Whitter
and his running mate
the dynamic Bernadette Flaim, 

are looking forward to meeting fellow Leonians

 on Saturday, June 1
 at Moore's Hardware Store
335 Broad Avenue
3:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Although running unopposed in the Democratic Primary, they are eager to hear their neighbors comments, concerns and suggestions.

Primary Day - June 4. Vote for Darryl and Bernadette !

DMC Tee Shirt - Leonia Day

The new Democratic Municipal Committee tee shirt will be available for sale at Leonia Day, this Sunday, May 19th at the DMC table. The introductory price for this soft fabric, colorful shirt is $13.00 - in recognition of the 2013 election year. There will be only 50 shirts for sale at Leonia Day. Please come early to take advantage of this opportunity.

The Whistle Stop Campaign

Prior to our era of ‘social media’, widespread television ownership, home computers, email, texting and tweeting, communications were more personal.

In 1948, Harry Truman took his presidential campaign directly to the people: a 30,000 mile journey through 28 states, stopping at every ‘whistle stop’ to speak to people from the train’s platform. By blowing their whistles, trains could arrange to stop at small towns not on the timetable, known as ‘whistle stops’. We believe in the value of ‘whistle stop’ communication, personal and direct.

DMC Committees / Appointments

The new DMC Chairman, Alan Winters, has established the following committees and responsibilities and announced the committee appointments:

COMMITTEES

(a) Bottom Line Committee (BLC) : Sally Seymour, Michael Raskin

• Work with supporters to plan and host fundraising events
• Oversee direct mail and e-mail fundraising activities
• Solicit donations

(b) Whistle Stop Committee (WSC): Leah Roland, Aviva Levy

• Recruit and supervise volunteers in their activities (including canvassing and office work)
• Responsible for campaign petitions and documents
• Develop and distribute promotional literature, signs, stickers, etc.
• Solicit events and activities for the candidate

(c) Next Generation Committee (NGC): Stephanie Keller, Mark Spiegel

• Recruit Leonia residents for involvement in local government organizations and committees
• Identify prospective candidates for appointed or elected government positions

(d) Political Climate Committee (PCC): Mary Ellen Tucker, Steve Churchill

• Works to promote communication and cooperation between the various political groups and government agencies

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

• Application for Vote By Mail Ballot
• Vote By Mail Application Instructions

Message from the DMC Chair

Good Neighbors -

I’m honored to be selected as Chairman of the Leonia Democratic Municipal Committee - a group of individuals committed to representing the best interests of Leonians.

I assume this responsibility at a critical time for Leonia. Rising property taxes could make it difficult for many of our neighbors to remain in town; budget challenges are affecting vital community services; the downtown business district is in desperate need of revitalization. These issues, and others, are of deep concern to Leonia residents.

Leonia has the talent and innovative ideas to overcome our challenges. There are currently several exciting initiatives underway which address the important issues in our community. However, to move forward, the climate in Leonia needs to be one of communication and cooperation between the various political groups and government agencies.

In the coming months, the DMC will utilize our resources to help create an environment that will facilitate improvements to our town and make Leonia a better place to live for all of our residents.

New DMC Chairman elected

The DMC has elected Alan Winters, Committeeman of District 2, as Chairman. In addition to serving on the DMC, Alan is a member of the Leonia Economic Development Committee. He believes both positions can work hand in hand to influence important changes in the community.

DMC Membership update

The Democratic Municipal Committee is pleased to announce that long term Leonia resident and Paralegal, Stephanie Keller, has been elected by the DMC to fill a vacancy in Leonia’s Fourth District, paired with Committeeman Mark Spiegel.

For further DMC information, see the About Us tab above

Have a Voice in Local Government

The Leonia Democratic Municipal Committee is currently seeking registered Leonia Democrats who would like to serve a three-year term on our Town Council. As a council member, you will impact governing decisions and be able to influence Leonia's future. If you have an interest, please email me privately.

Bob Leap
Chair, Leonia DMC
dmcbobleap@gmail.com

Senator Barbara Buono for Governor

State Senator Barbara Buono of Middlesex County launched her Democratic gubernatorial campaign on Saturday, February 3. It was clear that those attending her launch rally understand Buono’s message and agree with her on education, the economy, women’s rights and marriage equality.

Having grown up in working class North Jersey, Barbara Buono understands the important role of self-reliance. But, just as importantly, she appreciates the role government can play for those trying to make a better life for their families. As the first woman to be New Jersey’s Senate Majority Leader, Barbara Buono takes a unique approach to governing. As chair of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, she established a reputation as a consensus-builder during the state’s challenging fiscal times. During the two years Senator Buono served as budget chair, New Jersey’s budget grew smaller, not bigger. She cut $4.5 billion for the state budget while increasing funds for schools and health care.

With far too many public officials looking out for corporate interests and multi-millionaires, Senator Buono instead remains focused on strengthening New Jersey’s middle-class and looking out for our families. She’s working to create jobs, protect workers and make our schools work better. Buono believes we need to fight for those on Main Street, so they get the same advantages afforded the politically connected on Wall Street.

Buono’s ability reach across the aisle to Republicans in the State Senate is what is needed now in New Jersey to ensure state government can work effectively for all people. Her strength in driving fiscal efficiencies when coupled with her exemplary stance on key social issues makes her an ideal candidate to challenge Republican incumbent Chris Christie.

The Leonia Democratic Municipal Committee (DMC) is proud to support Senator Barbara Buono in her bid to become the next Governor of New Jersey.

Click here to learn more about Senator Buono: http://www.buonoforgovernor.com

Changes in DMC Membership

There have been a couple of changes in the Leonia DMC membership in District 6.
Chris and Ellen Terzini have resigned from the DMC so they can focus on welcoming a new arrival to their family. Thanks to Chris for his more than 2 years of service and Ellen for stepping up to run for the job last June.

I am pleased to announce that Arnold Tractenberg and Sally Seymour were appointed by unanimous vote of the DMC members present at our January meeting as the new District 6 Committeeman and Committeewoman.

We welcome Arnold and Sally and look forward to having them join the team as we continue to identify and support the election of talented and qualified Democrats to serve as Leonia’s Mayor and Council members.

Bob Leap
Chair, Leonia DMC

Re-organization Meeting Monday, January 7

The reorganization meeting of the Leonia Mayor & Council will take place Monday, January 7, at 7:30 pm at the Borough Hall Annex (Little House). Please join us to celebrate the election and swearing in of our newly elected Democratic Council Members.

Peter Knott - 1-year term
Greg Makroulakis - 3-year term
I.S. Pak - 3-year term

Happy New Year!

Bob Leap
Chair, Leonia DMC
201 Oratam Terrace

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