Page 4 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • November 11, 2009 Franklin Lakes Unchallenged Republicans receive voters’ endorsement by Frank J. McMahon Two Republicans have received the voters’ endorsement in last week’s uncontested general election in Franklin Lakes. William T. Smith and Frank Bivona will be sworn in at the council’s reorganization in early January. Smith, a former councilman and borough attorney, received 2,518 votes. Bivona, a political newcomer in the borough, received 2,543 votes. Smith has been a Franklin Lakes resident for 34 years and he is a principal in the borough-based law firm of Hook Smith & Meyer. He was elected to the council twice previously, in 1976 and 1979, and he served as borough’s municipal attorney from 1980 through November 2008. Bivona has been active in the borough’s recreation program. Prior to his retirement, he worked primarily in the bond insurance business where he dealt with municipalities country-wide on the issuance of debt obligations. For five years, he was chief executive officer of the FGIC Corporation, where he was also a member of the board of directors. Before joining FGIC, Bivona was vice chairman and chief financial officer of the Ambac Financial Group for 18 years. Both candidates were supported by the borough’s Republican Club, a political organization that has been active in Franklin Lakes for many years. When the council reorganizes, the governing body will consist of all Republicans, although there is still a split between those who are supported by the Republican Club and those supported by the Republican Forum. The forum was organized as an alternative to the borough’s Republican Club. Smith and Bivona will join Councilwoman Paulette Ramsey and Councilman Michael Friscia, who supported them in the June primary; and Councilman Steve Marcus and Councilwoman Nathalie Lota, who were elected to the council in 2007 with the support of Mayor Maura DeNicola and the Franklin Lakes Republican Forum. Smith indicated that his immediate objective on the council will be to address the borough’s financial condition and to balance its operating budget without cutting programs and services. He also pointed out that the borough’s obligation to provide a reasonable opportunity for affordable housing imposed by the state will have to be addressed next year. In addition, he feels that any decision on the borough’s proposal to install sewers in the business district should be carefully studied and analyzed before any decision is made. Bivona indicated he will vote to stop deficit spending and conduct zero based budgeting. He said he will end the need for temporary layoffs, restore recreation programs for children, and restore the community center hours of operation for senior citizens. He has also said that he will reduce professional fees and will avoid rushing decisions on large capital projects that require more debt. Award recipients address Woman’s Club Students Cynthia Panyi, Julie DiLillo, Samantha Levy and Shannon Larson were recipients of awards sponsored by the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs and funded by the Woman’s Club of Franklin Lakes. These four area students were hosted by The Woman’s Club of Franklin Lakes at a General Meeting. Seniors Cynthia Panyi (Ramapo High School) and Juliet DiLillo (Indian Hills) recently attended Girl’s Career Institute at Douglass College in New Brunswick. During this four day event the students had the opportunity to experience college life and meet women professionals in business, medicine, politics, engineering and performing arts. Juniors Samantha Levy (Ramapo High School) and Shannon Larson (Indian Hills High School) spoke of their experiences at the three-day Hugh O’Brien Youth Foundation Seminar (HOBY) that they attended as sophomores. The students were recognized for their leadership potential. WostbrockHome.com Rugs, Carpet, Window Treatments, Bedding, Home Accessories, Wood Flooring, Furniture, Floor Refinishing, Fabrics, Draperies, Shutters, Blinds OUR SHOWROOM IS LOCATED AT: 225 GOFFLE ROAD, RIDGEWOOD, NJ 07450 Hours: Mon-Sat 10:00-5:00 • Thurs 10:00-7:30 Visit us at 201-445-0807