Response to Ms. Iradi's Comments About Me in Last Weeks Hanover Eagle -
Full Description:
April 19, 2010
I am writing in response to comments Ms. Iradi made about me in her submission in last weeks Hanover Eagle. I found Iradi’s comments to be quite entertaining although not factual.
The comment from Ms. Iradi that people approached me to run for Township Committee is flat out not true. I will now share with you why I became interested in seeking a position on the committee. Approximately a year and a half ago I began attending town hall meetings, about the same time the balance of power shifted under the direction of then Mayor Fariello and Deputy Mayor Iradi. I was not pleased with the direction our town was headed and concerned with the lack of initiatives being made to address our eroding ratable base. It was at this point that I approached many people and began to share with them my intention to explore running for Township Committee. I thought the township deserved a better leadership team with financial expertise and understanding of strategic decision making then this Fariello/Iradi led group.
I felt my significant business and financial background could prove beneficial to the Township Committee. This was my reason to run for committee. In addition, I sent a letter to the Town Clerk expressing my interest to serve as a volunteer on the Economic Development Committee. This letter summarized my professional and community service record. I am currently a Vice President of a leading financial institution, have been a volunteer member of the Cedar Knolls Fire Department and First Aid Squad since 1975 and now serve as President of the department.
As I circulated my petition I expressed to my supporters that in the event former Mayor Ron Francioli came out of retirement, I would not run this year. No one or supposedgroup of individuals influenced this decision.There was no Hollywood drama or conspiracy as Iradi states. I believe Mayor Francioli provides our community the needed experience to quickly engage and contribute to positive change for Hanover. This is why I, and others, encouraged and led the successful widespread draft movement throughout Hanover for Mayor Ron Francioli.
Fortunately for Hanover the balance of power has positively shifted once again with respect to the Township Committee. This leadership team, in my opinion, is making sound decisions that are good for the town. However, we need to ensure the right people are elected to the Committee going forward.
With the above said, I would like to express my sincere thanks to all the people who signed my petition to put my name on the ballot. Since I am not running at this time, I pledge my full support to the election of Mayor Ron Francioli and Deputy Mayor Ken Schleifer.
