April 9, 2014 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 3 Midland Park Three Republicans vie for two council seats A field of three Midland Park Republi- cans, including one incumbent, will vie in the June primary for the two available seats on the borough council. No Democrats filed by last week’s deadline. Councilman Nick Papapietro will not seek reelection to a third term. Incumbent Mark Braunius has teamed up with newcomer Lorraine DeLuca on the Bergen County GOP line, Republicans for Responsible Governement. Former Police Chief John Casson is running under the “To serve and protect our future” slogan. Braunius, a former 12-year council member, was appointed to the council in November to fill the unexpired term of Councilman Mike Junta, who married and moved from the borough. Braunius said he wants to continue serv- ing on the council to keep the borough going forward in the present direction. “I want to continue the council’s vision of pay as you go to stretch the tax dollars and keep them as low as possible and to maintain financial stability so as to be able to continue giving residents the services they deserve and require,” Braunius said. A lifelong resident, Braunius served on the council from 1994 to 2005. A self- employed building contractor, he was also a member of the Midland Park Planning Board for the past 20 years. He previously served as police and DPW liaison, and is currently the liaison to the recreation department and the DPW. DeLuca, a 30-year resident, said she wants to serve on the council “to continue and enhance my involvement in this vibrant community.” “Since moving here, I have taken an active role in the development of this community through various volunteer opportunities, including Boy Scouts, Board of Recre- ation, chair of the Midland Park Memorial Day Parade, Eucharist Minister and CCD teacher at the Church of the Nativity. I have also been elected and served as District 3 Bergen County Committee woman… Mid- land Park is a dynamic town with a rich history of nearly 120 years; by working cooperatively with all council members, I’ll seek to make strides for the betterment of the borough by utilizing my experience, time and talents. As Winston Churchill once stated, ‘We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.’ You can trust that I, as a member of the council, will give 200 percent back to the residents of Midland Park,” DeLuca said. DeLuca, who has chaired the borough’s Memorial Day Committee for the past three years, served on the Midland Park Board of Recreation from 1998 to 2010 and currently sits on the Library Board. She is the Com- missioner for Boy Scout and Cub Scout (continued on page 30)