At stake: Two three-year council terms and one-year unexpired term
Seeking either of two three-year terms:
What are you thoughts on the work of the current governing body (please list any accomplishments or failures)?
Vincent Asciolla
I am a part of the present governing body and we’ve been successful in accomplishing many goals set when we took over. We have been successful in accomplishing 16 road and borough improvement projects from grant monies, which improved the quality of life for our residents at no cost to taxpayers. We have done everything in our power to keep municipal taxes down. When we took office the past administration strapped us with $4 million of debt, which we’ve reduced by over a million. We were the first administration to listen to the voters and reduce the school budget.
Robert Janeczek
I am a member of the Helmetta Planning Board and a volunteer with the Helmetta Recreation Department. I attend every council meeting and believe this administration is doing a great job, considering the mess the prior administration left behind. I want to work with this council to be a part of the positive progress in the borough.
Barbara Raczynski
The current governing body has not improved the quality of life for the residents of Helmetta. They have caused a two-year delay in the redevelopment project, which has been a costly setback. The safety of the residents has been compromised by reducing the police force and reducing full-time police coverage. A serious lack of respect is demonstrated to any resident who disagrees with the opinions of the current governing body. Finances are out of control and spending is unrestrained. Most projects were already set in motion and very few new projects have been initiated with this governing body.
John Caputo
I am presently on the council and believe we have made a lot of positive progress in the borough. The only failure with the present governing body is not all members pull their weight. We have one council member who only shows up twice a month. This is a failure since all members who are on council and run for a seat should be willing to dedicate hours of their time in making a difference, not just attending two meetings per month.
Gerald Everest
The current governing body has not made any significant progress in the past three years on their own. Most projects, such as improvements to curbs and sidewalks, bike path, and the redevelopment of the snuff mill, were already in place from the previous administration. Taxes have increased, and the two year delay in the redevelopment project has been costly to the community.
What improvements could be made to services, infrastructure or the overall quality of life in Helmetta, and how would you go about achieving such goals?
Vincent Asciolla
We’ve been successful in just three years completing 16 road/municipal infrastructure improvements, which have improved our quality of life. We are planning for our future and have applied for assistance to complete our main street sidewalk project, road improvements and expansion of our parks and recreation. Our successes are just beginning to be realized, since our administration started off in a financial hole. But if we stay the course, we will see the fruits of our labor, and all our residents will be very pleased, which will be my ultimate satisfaction.
Robert Janeczek
I see a brighter future with the redevelopment of the mill, along with the responsible leadership we currently have. I want to see the expansion of the recreation department to continue, as well as pursuing grants to improve the quality of life for our residents.
Barbara Raczynski
Accountability is the key to any successful government. Public accountability of the municipal budget and spending is vital to the quality of life for Helmetta. Should we be spending money unnecessarily, when school taxes are so high? I would respect the residents who placed me in office. Residents should feel free to ask questions and have their questions answered politely without any political backlash. The safety of the residents is a high priority, and I would bring back 24-hour police coverage within the community. Preferential treatment for the “selected few” would stop and all residents would be treated equally.
John Caputo
Many improvements have been made by this administration, but I am especially looking forward to the construction of the community center by the redeveloper for the borough residents, both young and old.
Gerald Everest
The first improvement would be to make sure that Helmetta residents have full-time police coverage 24 hours a day. I would allow our police department to operate and function without political influences. I would also require accountability from the mayor as well as all council members. Communication between the mayor, council members and residents would be improved. Each resident would be respected, no matter what political team they are on. Fairness for all would be established. Favoritism to residents, the chosen selected few, would be a thing of the past. All residents would be treated fairly and equally.
Why should the residents of Helmetta vote for you on Nov. 7?
Vincent Asciolla
I have worked hard for the residents of Helmetta for the past three years and will continue to do so. I play a large part in our recreation department, having three children of my own, and know there is a greater need for the expansion of this program. I will continue the positive progress in the borough, and anyone who knows me, knows I will.
Robert Janeczek
I am asking the residents to vote for me because I’ve been involved with the Helmetta Recreation Department and Planning Board, and I truly believe that I am the best person for the position. I will dedicate my time, ideas and values to the residents. I will be honest, hard-working and dedicated to the people of the borough, and I will think of the impact on the residents before making any decisions. I truly believe that the people of Helmetta made the right choice electing the independents, and I want to continue that positive progress.
Barbara Raczynski
Leadership with business experience is a winning combination. I have over 33 years of business and leadership experience. I genuinely care about this community. I see differing opinions as opportunities, not obstacles. Respecting others would be a well-needed change for the council. I review all sides of the issues and make educated decisions. I would revisit the redevelopment project and seek to make it more profitable and provide better tax relief for the residents. The project needs to do more than just stabilize taxes; it needs to relieve the tax burden for the residents. Let’s make it better.
John Caputo
I am person who likes to get involved and will continue to be a part of the expansion of the recreation program, and look forward to the redevelopment of the mill property for municipal tax stabilization.
Gerald Everest
If the residents want to “make it better,” a vote for me will accomplish that goal. My expertise in business, finance and management would be a great asset to the council and the borough. I have a proven track record for getting things done and I keep my financial records in order. I would strive to cut spending and reduce taxes whenever possible.