Mahwah November 2, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 5 Township candidates seek mayor’s post, council seat by Frank J. McMahon In this year’s general election (Nov. 8), John DaPuzzo, Lisa DiGiulio, and William “Bill” Laforet will be vying to become the next mayor of Mahwah, while Charles “Chuck” Jandris and Steven Sbarra will be competing for election to the Mahwah Council. DaPuzzo has been mayor since March. He has lived in Mahwah for over 21 years and his two children graduated from the Mahwah schools. He attended Paramus High School and the Fairleigh Dickenson School of Engineering, the Teterboro School of Aeronautics, and the Fairfield School of Business, Graduate Division. Since 2008, DaPuzzo has been chief operating officer of the Fountain Spa. He is a founding member and trustee of the Mahwah Schools Foundation and was a member of the Center for Food Action’s Building Committee, and past president and member of the board of directors for the Bergen Highlands Rotary Club. DaPuzzo has been the chairman of the Mahwah Day and Ramsey Day committees and has been associated with the Mahwah Youth Sports Boosters as a former coach. He has also worked with Boy Scout Troop 258 and was a Cub Scout leader. He has received several awards, including the Center for Food Action Dream Team Award for Vision, Leadership, and Generosity. “In these difficult economic times, it is important that we watch every penny we spend and try to do more with less to save taxpayer dollars,” DaPuzzo said. “I believe in running a fiscally conservative government, keeping local property taxes stable and that is why I am proud to say Mahwah has the fifth lowest tax rate in Bergen County and the 15th lowest tax rate in New Jersey. “I have drawn upon over a decade of public service and senior corporate management experience to successfully lead our township. As chief operating officer of the Fountain Spa, I manage a $15 plus million budget, the maintenance of several properties and direct over 300 employees; very similar to the $31 plus million budget and over 200 employees I also manage as mayor.” ��� He has served as councilman, council president, and planning board vice chair. “I believe in investing in the future of our community to continue making Mahwah a great place to live and raise a family,” he said. “I am the only candidate with the depth and breadth of corporate and government experience necessary to be a truly effective mayor. I thank you for your consideration and look forward to working for you to keep moving Mahwah forward.” DiGiulio has been a resident for 34 years and is married with five children, two of whom have been educated in the Mahwah schools. She is a payroll corporate collection specialist. She is serving her sixth term in office and has been on the council for 23 years, serving as the council’s president and vice president. She is the founder and chairwoman of the council’s Beautification Advisory Committee and she is council liaison to the Bergen County Community Development Grant Program. DiGiulio has been active in the planning and construction of the public library, the Richard J. Martel Municipal (continued on page 16) For That Special Event ��������������� ��������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������������� �������������������������� ������ ���� �������������������������������� ��������������� ������������ See our website for coupons-������������������������ �������������������������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������� ���������������������