Page 8 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • September 22, 2010 Celebrate Mahwah Day • September 25 Council introduces ordinance to change election date by Frank J. McMahon Mahwah’s governing body has introduced an ordinance that, if adopted, would move the municipal council elections from 9-22-10 Joan from Janine May to November. Mahwah’s municipal government is MahwahDayBanner(9-22-10) nonpartisan. That is, it does not have any 6 col x .75 party affiliations and candidates do not run for municipal election under the banner of any political party. In 2009, the state legislature passed a new law permitting municipalities that operate under the 1981 Non-partisan Elections Law to pass an ordinance to change the municipal election date to the Tuesday after the first Monday in November. The new law took effect in January and permits towns to change their election date starting in 2012 to the same day on which the general election is held. Any runoff following a November general election would be held that December with the elected official taking office on Jan. 1. The new law states that once a municipality has chosen to change the date of its regular municipal election to the date of the general election, it is not permitted to change the date back to May until at least 10 years have passed. A new ordinance would then have to be adopted in order to move the election back to May. The terms of Mayor Richard Martel and Council Members Samuel Alderisio, Lisa DiGiulio, and John Roth, who will all be up for reelection in 2012, would be extended by six months to the end of that year. The change in date of the Mahwah municipal election would reportedly save the township an estimated $35,000 in election costs, and would attract a larger voter turnout. Prior to introducing the ordinance, the council engaged in a spirited debate about the pros and cons of such a change. Harry Williams was the only council member present to vote against introducing the ordinance. Williams argued that the cost savings actually amounts to $17,500 per year, but holding the election in November might create a situation where local issues are overshadowed by national issues. “This vote will take 60 seconds, but it will take ten years to correct it,” Williams said. “I recommend we take some time to think about it. I would recommend we exercise a little caution.” Mayor Richard Martel advised, however, that 74 percent of the registered voters in Mahwah went to the polls in the November 2008 election, which included the election of a president, while 16 percent voted in the May 2010 municipal election. “Not many people vote in April or May,” Martel said, referring to the school board and municipal elections. He added that generally about 15 to 20 percent of the registered voters turn out for a May election, while 35 to 50 percent or more usually vote in a November election. “The issue to me is to be able to hear more of the voters’ voice and that is in November,” Martel said. “I’m interested in people coming out to vote and getting a true representation of Mahwah officials.” Regarding the idea that national issues would overshadow local issues in a November election, he suggested that voters should be given more credit because they are more educated today and they can separate national and local issues. Councilman John Roth voiced the opinion that the May election could also be contaminated by national issues. “Our election is based on local issues,” Roth said. “I don’t think it would be contaminated by national issues.” Council President John DaPuzzo said he thinks the change in election date is all positive and he did not see any negatives other than the 10-year waiting period if a problem with the November election date is discovered. “I don’t think that will be a problem,” DaPuzzo said. “The November election will not change our form of government, but it will increase voter turnout and also save the township about $35,000 by eliminating the May election. So I think it is all positive.” A public hearing on the ordinance is scheduled for the Sept. 23 council meeting. If the council adopts the ordinance at that time, it would become effective once it is published. Chamber sets Morning Meet & Greet On Sept. 30, the Mahwah Regional Chamber of Commerce will host a free Morning Meet & Greet from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Atrium, 535 East Crescent Avenue in Ramsey. The host is TD Bank. All are invited to network and learn what is new with the Chamber. All attendees will be able to introduce themselves. Chamber members are also invited to bring their promotional material and literature for the event’s informational table. Refreshments will be served. There is no cost, but pre-registration is encouraged. For reservations and other information, visit www.mahwah.com or call the Chamber office at (201) 529-5566. Buy 1 Blizzard, *Of equal or lesser value, with this coupon. Expires 12-31-10 Get 1 FREE * SATURDAY 117 Franklin Turnpike A&P Shopping Center 10% OFF % September 25, 2010 Commodore Perry Field Rain Date: September 26, 2010 Rain Date Phone # 201-529-1234 EVERY DAY FOR SENIORS! MAHWAH 201-529-4446 OPEN ALL YEAR! Banner & Float Parade at 12:00pm Parade Route: Miller Rd. to East Ramapo to Commodore Perry Field All Day Fun & Games on the Field Lots of great food available! The Mighty SPECTRUM Band and super fireworks to end the day Stop by the Old Station Museum and Caboose just across the street 15 OFF One coupon per visit. May not be combined with other offers. Dine-In Check Only Celebrate Mahwah Day! FREE DELIVERY OPEN 7 DAYS Daily Lunch Specials 1035 MacArthur Blvd., Mahwah (Ramapo Centre) Fax: 201-825-1929 Stay for Dinner, Music & Fireworks in the Evening Lots of great food available 6:00-8:00 pm The Mighty SPECTRUM Band 8:00 pm A spectacular fireworks display to end the day! Fireworks brought to you by Food Music & Fireworks On the Stage 12:30 1:00 2:00 3:00 4:00 5:00 6-8 2 Large Cheese Pies ONLY $ 2195 +TAX One coupon per visit. May not be combined with other offers. $ 5 OFF On the Field 12:00 1:00 2:00 8:00 Opening Ceremony Kids Character Review Outragehisss Pets Shido-Kan Karate Magic Show Kids Character Review The Mighty SPECTRUM Band Food & Kiddie Rides Pony Rides Dog Show Fireworks 2:00 PM • $3.00 per Dog Proceeds go to local animal shelters Register at 1:30 PM at the Dog Show Registration Booth CATEGORIES: Smallest • Largest Best Personality Most Original • Best Dressed Please have your dog on a leash and curb your dog. All Dogs must be licensed. Mahwah Republican Party Dog Show sponsored by Dog Show available to Parking Areas located at Lincoln Tech on McKee Drive Ramsey Auto Group Shuttle Vans One coupon per visit. May not be combined with other offers. Any Purchase of $30 or more Rock Climbing Wall Clowns • Pony Rides Face Painting Pumpkin Painting Balloon Art Kiddie Rides Hot Air Balloon Rides 201-825-1776 Don’t forget to stop by the Mahwah Schools Foundation table to find out what’s new and to register for the Annual Run and New Kid’s Run scheduled for Sunday, October 3rd!