JACKSON – A former municipal official is seeking a return to Jackson government.
Michael Kafton, who served on Jackson’s former Township Committee before losing a bid to serve on its first Township Council when the form of government changed in 2006, has announced that he is seeking a council seat in the May municipal election.
With three four-year terms on the nonpartisan council up for grabs, Kafton is joined on a slate by Michael Reina and Bobbie Rivere.
In announcing his intention to seek office, Kafton said in a press release that “this ticket is an example of true partnership, not partisanship. I feel very honored to be running with two very qualified candidates who each bring their own particular strengths and individual perspectives to the table.”
Kafton said he, Reina and Rivere, if elected, will not be what they called the “same rubber stamp council that currently exists,” but said they will provide “a true system of checks and balances for the mayor, which is necessary to have in an open and honest governing body.”
Kafton is a lifelong Democrat. He said he has dedicated himself to his community by initiating and executing many charitable programs. He served on the Township Committee for six years, including a one-year term as mayor in 2003.
Reina, a former chairman of the Jackson Planning Board, said, “Running for Jackson’s council was something I felt I needed to do and I am very pleased to be running with two such capable and very dedicated residents, Mike Kafton and Bobbie Rivere. It is time we take Jackson back and have representatives who are accountable to the people who elect them.”
Reina has served as a paid member of the Jackson Police Department, is a registered Republican and is a member of the Jackson Tea Party. According to its Internet Web site, the Jackson Tea Party is “a political organization committed to uniting all residents in support of lower taxes and smart and clean commercial ratables in Jackson.”
Reina is a former member and vice president of Jackson’s Office of Emergency Management and the Private Residential Community Board.
As she announced her bid for office, Rivere said, “I am very excited to be running for the council with two very strong and distinguished candidates, Mike Kafton and Mike Reina. As a resident of the senior community at Westlake, I feel I am very tuned in to the needs and wants of our very active adults who have moved to Jackson looking to get involved and who represent a positive force for change.”
Rivere is the past chairwoman of Jackson Walks, the committee which oversaw Jackson’s participation in the Susan G. Komen Walk for the Cure in October at Six Flags Great Adventure.
Rivere was a member of the Merrick, N.Y., School District Board of Education for 23 years and was selected Merrick’s “Woman of the Year” by the Chamber of Commerce.
“We are going to educate and energize Jackson voters by distinguishing ourselves from the current council members who have never challenged the mayor on any issue,” the candidates said. “The mayor and council have made serious errors costing taxpayers dearly and they have been openly scornful of residents.
“We intend to listen to what the voters have to say and act accordingly,” they said. “There are issues out there that need to be addressed and we intend to do exactly that. We intend to eliminate oneparty rule the way it exists now and we will represent all Jackson residents rather than a select few.We know that we have our work cut out for us and look forward to the challenge of bringing balance and integrity back into our community.”
The candidates’ use of the phrase “oneparty rule” is a reference to the first election for the township’s new form of government in May 2006. At that time candidates who were Republicans – though running officially as nonpartisan – swept the council seats and mayor’s office. The 2006 election gave Jackson residents their first opportunity to directly elect a mayor. The next scheduled mayoral election is May 2010.