HELMETTA — Mayor Nancy Martin is facing a challenge in her bid for another four-year mayoral term from Councilman Christopher Slavicek on Nov. 3.
Slavicek said last week one of his reasons for running for mayor is to help rebuild the town’s image following the widely reported problems that resulted in the closing of the Helmetta Regional Animal Shelter.
Slavicek is running on a slate with council incumbent Peter Karczewski and newcomer Sewell Beckman under the “Aligning Helmetta’s Future” banner.
“Unfortunately, the past few years we’ve been put on the map more for negativity,” he said. “Helmetta is a great place to live, and I think it is time to rebuild that image, get the community involved and move forward.”
Slavicek, a lifelong borough resident, said he is also hoping to increase transparency and sound financial planning if he is elected mayor.
“It has always been an aspiration of mine because I am a natural-born leader,” he said. “The small, tight-knit community has meant so much to me that I want to give back.”
Martin, who is running under the “Putting Residents First” tagline, did not respond to requests for an interview.
Martin is campaigning on a ticket with incumbent Councilman Vincent Asciolla and resident James Misner, who are running for the two council seats up for election.