Teaneck—The Bergen County Freeholder candidates faced off against each other at a forum sponsored by the Jewish Community Relations Council. The three Republican incumbents, John Felice, Maura DeNicola, and John Mitchell, are each running for a second term. Their Democratic challengers are James Tedesco, Lorraine Waldes, and Christopher Tully. The audience was welcomed by Temple Emeth President Mike Goldberg. The forum was moderated by Stanley Goodman, Chair of the Government Relations & Public Policy Committee of the JCRC.
John Mitchell opened by immediately saying that property taxes are too high. He said that this year county property taxes were reduced for the first time in many years. He gave some of the credit to a new program that he sponsored that awards county workers for implementing cost savings. Nearly $33.9 million has been awarded so far. He said his primary interests are in business development and education, and he has no record of corruption.
James Tedesco, former Mayor of Paramus, addressed the claim made by his opponents that he incurred tax liens for not paying his taxes. He refuted the implication that he is in any way corrupt and went on to explain his circumstances. His wife had been very ill for nine years before passing away in 2006. An organ transplant failed and expenses exceeded her insurance’s $1 million lifetime limit, so he had to chose between paying his taxes or paying for doctors and to feed and house his children. Since his wife’s death, he has paid off his bills and taxes. He no longer has any tax liens. He stated that maintaining his integrity and reputation are very important to him.
Maura DeNicola has been serving in public office for 15 years, including as Mayor of Franklin Lakes and is now a member of the Board of Chosen Freeholders. She strives to bring transparency and accountability to government. She has worked to get more public records on-line and to ensure competitive awarding of contracts. She “continues to shake things up.” She explained the $5 million cut to aid to Bergen Community College (BCC), which was a message to reign in BCC’s former administration. Tuition hikes are necessary to pay off the excessive bills run up by previous college administrations. After many turnovers in leadership, a competent team is now in place. She supports capital improvements to help provide students with better training. She noted that the Bergen County Education Association has commended the Board of Freeholders.
Lorraine Waldes, daughter of hard-working immigrants, runs a cancer patient support program in Rivervale. She has served on Rivervale’s Board of Education for 14 years, seven as president. She has volunteered to work in so many social service programs that in 2010 she was named Resident of the Year. She admonished the Freeholders for “punishing the BCC students for past mismanagement” by imposing a 25% tuition hike. She aims to stabilize county taxes and demonstrate to voters that she is honest and trustworthy.
John Felice has been politically active for years in Fair Lawn, before moving to River Edge. His full-time job is selling and introducing medical devices to hospitals. As a Freeholder, he has worked for responsible bi-partisan budgets, which have brought spending down in both 2011 and 2012. He worked to bring $120 million for public education re-financing and millions to the county’s extensive park system.
He supports the merger of the County Police and Sheriff’s Offices, which will bring extensive cost savings to county law enforcement. All of the candidates, except Ms. DeNicola, agree. Those who support the merger point to the expected savings of $225 million over the next 20 years. Ms. DeNicola warned that the merger would take support.
Christopher Tully is also the son of immigrants. He entered public service and was put in charge of constituent services for Sen. Frank Lautenberg. He bemoaned the lack of teamwork among the Freeholders, including pursuing lawsuits on county business and making backroom deals. He pointed out that while Mr. Felice had just called the county budget responsible, his fliers criticize it.
For a longer version of this article visit our website, www.jewishlinkbc.com
By Stephen Tencer
