Franklin Lakes October 27, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 3 Republicans and Democrats vie for council seats by Frank J. McMahon Two Republicans and two Democrats will seek election to the Franklin Lakes Borough Council in the Nov. 2 general election, while Republican Frank Bivona will run unopposed for the mayor’s seat. Voters in the Republican primary election selected Nathalie Lota and Frank Pedone as their candidates for the borough council. Lota and Pedone will be challenged by Joan Mokray and Lorenzo Puertas, who received more than the five necessary write-in votes to be on the ballot as Democrats in November. Bivona and his wife Maureen have been residents of Franklin Lakes for 17 years. They have two children, ages 16 and 18. Bivona was elected to the borough council in 2009 and is liaison for recreation. He has been active in the borough’s recreation programs as a coach for various sports. He has also been active with the Academy of the Most Blessed Sacrament, where he has served on the advisory board and co-directed the basketball program. He retired two years ago after a 31-year career in finance. His work experience was primarily in the banking and bond insurance business, where he worked with municipalities country-wide on the issuance of debt obligations. He has served on several charitable boards, including Junior Achievement and the YMCA of Greater New York. Bivona received a bachelor’s degree from Adelphi University. “As mayor, my focus will be on important issues that face our borough: minimization of property taxes and reduced spending, preservation of natural beauty by effectively managing COAH obligations, and harmony among our governing body so that energy is put towards delivering exceptional services.” Lota, a life-long Republican, and is seeking election to a second term on the council. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my tenure on council and look forward to serving the interests of our residents and the taxpayers of Franklin Lakes in a second term,” Lota said. “I am committed to continuing my work on minimizing property taxes and decreasing municipal spending. I am also dedicated to exploring every opportunity for increasing revenue and maximizing efficiency of our borough departments and government. “I believe in fiscally responsible planning including forecasting and budgeting for future investment and comprehensive debt management. My focus on the budget has been to improve the efficiency of municipal departments and improve open lines of communication between the employees and elected officials. I also believe there are further opportunities for shared services that need to be explored and I support developing plans for our downtown area that reflect the charm and beauty of Franklin Lakes (continued on page 19) ����������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������� ������������������������� ������������������ ������������������ ����� ���������� � Hair Care Family ��������� ������ ��������� ������������ ����������������������������������� �������������� ��������������������� ���������������������� ���������� Specializing in Wide Widths Slobodien Stride Rite Family Owned & Operated since 1888 • Hrs. Monday - Saturday 10am - 6pm Boulder Run Center • Wyckoff, NJ • 201-891-8580 (across from Stop & Shop) Wear Your Halloween Costume and Receive $10 OFF Any Regular Priced Footwear with the minimum purchase of $50 TRICK OR TREAT AT STRIDE RITE Saturday, October 30th • 10 am-6 pm With this coupon. Not to be combined with any other offer