Letters to the Editor (continued from page 18) though he knew they disliked him – because they were smart. John Roth is probably the smartest person on the council. Follow the wisdom of our greatest presidents and choose good people who will serve intelligently. I urge everyone to vote for John Roth on Nov. 6 because Mahwah needs John’s devotion, integrity, wisdom, and experience. Harry Williams, Councilman Mahwah Dear Editor: I am asking the residents of Mahwah for their support for reelection to the Mahwah Township Council on Tuesday, Nov 6. I have been a resident of Mahwah for 35 years and on the council since 1988. I am proud of my record and would like to continue to serve and work for the people of Mahwah. I have served as president and vice president of the council and served on committees that have been instrumental in designing our library, municipal building, senior center, and Continental Soldiers’ Field. I created and served as chairman of the Senior Advisory Board, served as Girl Scout leader for 20 years, and as a member of Company #1 Ambulance Corps, Mahwah Woman’s Club, and Valley Hospital Auxiliary. I have served as a legislative aide to two state senators, and was active in creating the New Jersey State Child Abuse Task Force and the D.A.R.E. program. Currently, I am a member of the Transportation Committee, chairman of the Beautification Committee, and council liaison to the Bergen County CBG Grant Committee, securing over $1.5 million in grant money for various improvements to the community. Communication, planning, balance, commitment, honesty, and integrity are important to the people of Mahwah so that the necessary services are provided and a sound economic base and quality of life are maintained. It is an honor to work and serve all the people of Mahwah, and I ask for your vote on Nov 6. My campaign manager is Vincent DiGiulio. Visit www.hdigiulioforcouncil.com. H. Lisa DiGiulio, Councilwoman Mahwah Dear Editor: Six times, the citizens of Mahwah have had the good sense to elect Lisa DiGiulio to the council and I’ve had the privilege to observe firsthand why the people have chosen wisely. Our government is a system of the “majority rules,” but for Lisa it is a responsibility of the “minority counts.” More than anyone on the council, Lisa considers every minority interest in the debate of issues. She has defended the rights of Boy Scouts to post event signs and championed neighborhoods affected by development. At a controversial meeting, she was a pillar of strength when she scolded an attorney for demeaning our citizens. Although October 31, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 21 DiGiulio asks for support I held an opposing view of the issue being debated, I admired her defense of the people and my respect for her grew immeasurably. Lisa has strong feelings about every civic group. She attends every public event, every parade, every Eagle Scout ceremony, and every dedication. No civic event is too small for Lisa to attend. Every citizen counts to Lisa. Lisa provides a balance to the council because she considers every opinion equally. She provides balance because she is the only woman on the council, and the council needs the perspective and sensitivity of this caring woman. Opposing viewpoints are necessary to the public debate of critical issues. Our country is great because of our vigorous public debate, and Lisa can always be counted on to represent every voice in Mahwah. Lisa and I have held opposing views on several issues since I first met her. Yet, she doesn’t let any battle become a personal war. Mahwah needs representatives who will defend its people, but never let our town become a civil war battleground. Lisa DiGiulio is needed now more than ever. Harry Williams, Councilman Mahwah Dear Editor: I have known Bill Laforet as a friend, neighbor, and businessman for over 30 years. When Bill asked me my thoughts on running to fill the unexpired term of former Mayor Martel, I told him it’s a full-time job. To be successful, you must be committed. His response: “I’m ready and committed to do my best for the residents of Mahwah.” Over the past year, he has shown that commitment. He has achieved the lowest tax increase (1.75 percent) in over 10 years; secured a bond rating of AAA during his tenure; set the path for fiscal responsibility; and is open to suggestions and encourages participation from the public. I whole-heartedly support Bill for mayor. How about you? Sam Alderisio, Councilman Mahwah LaForet has proven record ness as usual. While he could have waited for a four-year term, he chose to move forward, making difficult decisions. They were not always popular decisions, but he was always trying to lower expenses while maintaining the level of services to the township. At the same time, he has aggressively worked to bring new businesses to Mahwah, thereby increasing tax revenue. The decision facing you, the voting taxpayer, is: Who you will vote for on Nov. 6? Bill Laforet will use his 35 years of business experience to benefit the taxpayers of the township. His opponent is a loyal, lifetime employee of the township. He has spent all of his work time employment following the direction of the director of the department of public works. This is his main qualification to become mayor. That is like saying, “I have 20 million miles of frequent flyer miles, so that means I can be the pilot the next time I board the plane!” The budget problems, the questionable economy, and the constraints placed on the township’s state aid all require that we have an experienced and knowledgeable mayor who is willing to make the difficult decisions to keep our taxes low and maintain our level of services. I believe Bill Laforet is the best man to lead Mahwah for the next four years. I urge all the voters in the Township of Mahwah to vote for Bill Laforet for mayor on Nov. 6. John A. Spiech, Council President Mahwah Dear Editor: It’s very important to me to share with you my love and appreciation for our town of Mahwah. I’ve lived here for most of my 84 years. In my lifetime, I’ve managed a number of political campaigns on the state, county, and local levels, and it is in this role that I write to you today. In this great town of ours, it has been my pleasure to be the campaign manager for Bill Raquet, Richard Martel, John Speich, and Bill Laforet, all of whom I consider gentlemen, not politicians. Today, I strongly believe that partisan politics have no role in Mahwah’s non-partisan local government. Our community has to be served independently, free of political party influence. We need an independent, full-time mayor. It’s time to reelect our business-minded, full-time Mayor Bill Laforet. As you may recall, Richard Martel once stated, “It’s no longer a part time job.” Bill is a strong believer in that sentiment, and he puts his heart and his community oriented mind into his duties. He lowered the municipality taxes from 26 percent to 1.75 percent and Standard & Poor’s gave Mahwah its AAA Bond Rating, which allowed us to save $500,000 on the term of our debt. He did all this in less than 11 months. I know a lot of people in town and they all agree with me: It’s time to get back to business and not politics. It’s time to reelect Bill Laforet for mayor. I hope you will join me on Nov. 6, and vote for Bill Laforet. Lou Rizzo Mahwah (Note: Mr. Rizzo is campaign manager for Mayor Bill Laforet.) Let’s reelect Bill Laforet Every citizen counts with DiGiulio Dear Editor: It is time once again to elect a mayor. This time, the mayor-elect will serve a four-year term. The next four years will be critical for all taxpayers since it will be our dollars that will go to fund the expenses of the town. Our current mayor, Bill Laforet, was elected last year to fulfill the final year of Dick Martel’s four-year term. Bill Laforet could have just sat quietly and probably won a four-year term. Instead, being an astute business person, he quickly realized that the township could not meet the state-mandated two percent budget cap. With 35 years as a successful businessman, he knew he had to take steps to bring the township’s expenses down and increase revenues. The simple fact is that we can no longer afford, nor will the state allow the township, to continue doing busi- Laforet: Experience counts