May 28, 2014 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 7 Midland Park Three vie for two seats in Republican primary Former Midland Park Police Chief John Casson is challenging Councilman Mark Braunius and newcomer Lorraine DeLuca in next week’s Republican primary for one of the two available seats on the borough council. The election will take place Tues- day, June 3, with the polls open from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. Councilman Nick Papapietro decided not to seek reelection to a third term. Braunius and DeLuca are running on the Bergen County GOP line, “Republicans for Responsible Government.” Casson is run- ning under the “To serve and protect our future” slogan. Braunius, a lifelong resident, said he feels he brings a unique perspective to the governing body, having left the council and then returned. “I talk to many people in the community, listening to their hopes and concerns. I look forward to adding my perspective to each and every situation, making Midland Park the best it can be,” he said. DeLuca said her community involvement demonstrates her enthusiasm for the town in which she has lived for over 30 years. “My past and present work experiences illus- trate my dedication for this community and demonstrate my ability to communicate in an organized and effective way to various groups - from youths to seasoned members. My drive and passion for partnership allow me to successfully build teams and partner- ships among various groups. Finally, my tenacity is showcased through my record of accomplishment as a problem solver as well as someone who seeks new challenges and opportunities,” she said. Casson said his 44 years on the police force have given him “a good insight as to how things work and don’t work.” He said his goal is “to tackle problems with decision making, not by dragging things out. ‘Some- one has to say, let’s move things along.’” “I have an excellent grasp of how to deal with people, and a grasp on common sense,” he said, adding that residents with whom he has spoken are happy that he is providing them with a choice at the ballot box. Braunius served on the council from 1994 to 2005, and was appointed last November to fill the unexpired term of Councilman Mike Junta. 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, 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 Troops 157 and previously served as Dis- trict Commissioner and District Chair of the Boy Scout Ramapo District. She is the assistant to the director of religious educa- tion for the Church of the Nativity. Casson, who retired as police chief in July, 2012 after 44 years on the force, had served on the Midland Park Volunteer Ambulance Corps for seven years, and coached recreational baseball and soccer. He was also involved in the Graduation Ball and the Midland Park Municipal Alliance.