councilman to try for post as independent
Pappas to run for N.B. mayor in 2003
Paul Pappas
Former GOP
councilman to try for post as independent
By dave goldberg
Staff Writer
Former North Brunswick Councilman Paul Pappas has announced that he will run for mayor in the 2003 election.
"I think I am the best man for the job, " said Pappas. "Public relations skills are very important, and it is something that I can bring to the office. I am very much a hands-on man."
Pappas, 45, served on the council from 1997 to 2000. He and fellow GOP Council-man Bill Goldstein were defeated by current council President Francis "Mac" Womack and council Vice President Carlo Socio in 2000.
Pappas said that he is running as an independent candidate this time around. He also said that he did not do this to run away from either party.
"I did not bolt from anyone," Pappas said. "I would have run either as a Democrat or Republican with no problem, but I feel that I represent the whole town. It doesn’t matter what my party affiliation is. The more I think about it, not running on a party ticket gives me the freedom to express my feelings without being criticized by my own so-called party. I was unhappy with the infighting and the way some people are running the parties."
Mayor David Spaulding said Wednesday that he would not comment on his former colleague’s announcement.
Councilwoman Maureen Little said she is surprised by Pappas’ decision.
"I wish him luck," Little said. "It was a surprise to the Republicans. He never discussed anything with the party. We wish him all of the luck."
Socio also wished Pappas well.
"I wish him the best of luck," Socio said. "I’ve known him for years, and he has always been a good friend."
If elected, Pappas said that he would be available as much as possible.
"I’m seen more in the municipal building than even a council person," Pappas said. "I can always be found. I’ll be the working family’s man. I want people to know that they are in good hands. I am someone who is going to keep the town well balanced and running smoothly. I want to know every person in the municipal building. I want them to know me and be able to talk to me about any issue. I want them to feel free to talk to me anytime. People will see me at the building. I may put my office on the first floor to be more visible."
Pappas would like to make the town aware of him before the election.
"Prior to the election, I want to have a forum and some kind of outing," Pappas said. "I want to invite the public, as a whole, to meet me and talk to me to find out what I represent. I want them to see what kind of man I am."
The employees of the township will always be treated with respect, according to Pappas.
"There could be some very talented people that could be suited for another department," Pappas said. "I will never cut anyone’s throat. If they do their job, they will be fine. Nothing will be done behind their back. If I don’t like something that they are doing, I will tell them."
Even if he is working, Pappas said that he will always be in the general area.
"My work is in the Middlesex County area," Pappas said. "Seldom do we ever leave the country. I don’t leave to go give speeches. I don’t have to give seminars."
While he approves of the purchasing of the Otken farm, Pappas said that he does not favor condemnation.
"I think in the long run, it would be in the best interest of the town to get the property not through condemnation," Pappas said. "The land should not be taken away from them. They should have been able to keep it and sell it to whoever they would like to sell it to. I do not believe in condemnation. A man’s property is his own property. If you live there and own it, you have the right to sell to whoever you want."
Resolving the problems of the community will be the most important issue, according to Pappas.
"One of the things I think is very important is that residents should address issues that they have," Pappas said. "I would make sure that I follow up on those issues, so I didn’t have a resident coming back and asking why an issue was not addressed. My administration in no uncertain terms would have to know the issues from people in town. My top priority would be addressing these issues. I’m a regular guy, and I hope the people of North Brunswick will give me the opportunity to be their mayor. I will not let them down."