A message from Mayor John DeSimone: Let's Keep Leonia Moving Forward

Dear Friends,

As Mayor and owner of Moore's hardware, I have the privilege of knowing many, if not most people in town personally.

That is one of the best things about this office. You know me and what I want to do for the community. I know you and your concerns as a citizen.

For that reason, I think it’s appropriate for me to give my perspective on the primary electiontomorrow. When I came into office at the beginning of January 2012, Leonia was under a crushing burden of property taxes threatening to drive many people out of town. There was a mistrust of government that came out of a closed climate of decision-making, and there was little involvement by citizens.

While not perfect, we have made major accomplishments in my administration: borough taxes have been held to flat or minimal increases through more creative use of our resources, successful grant applications, and just plain old belt-tightening. We have made the governing process transparent through streaming and online access to our meetings and agendas.

We are planning for the future via a reinvigorated, supported study of the Light Rail transit hub and the potential for adjacent development which can enhance our community and support it financially.

Leonia is a wonderful, small town in the midst of an urban metropolis. Our governing body will never lose sight of the reasons people choose to move here, raise their families and be part of the Leonia way. That is why I urge you to vote COLUMN ONE ​tomorrow,  Tuesday, June 3.  Let’s keep Leonia moving forward! 
 

Column 1 Candidates for Leonia Council:  Gil Hawkins & John Genese

 

Column 1 Candidates for Leonia Democratic Municipal Committee

DISTRICT 1: Carmita Sanchez Fong & Steve Churchill

DISTRICT 2: Aviva Levy & Alan Winters

DISTRICT 3: Leah Roland & Fred Marx

DISTRICT 4: Stephanie Keller & Gregg Edelman

DISTRICT 5: Christie Evens & Michael Raskin

DISTRICT 6: Sally Seymour & Arnold Trachtenberg

Thank you,
Mayor John DeSimone

New Video Added to We Democrats TV

Please click the video above to view our most recent video.

Economic Development is a major priority of the current administration.
We encourage all residents of Leonia to work together to plan for the future.

To view more video information please visit
We Democrats TV on YouTube.com/leoniadmc

Karaoke night at Dante's

What are YOU doing
Friday May 30th 

 

This will be a fun evening. Hope to see you there!
Friday May 30 10pm at Dante's, 373 Broad Avenue, Leonia
 

Announcing We Democrats TV

Announcing the new
We Democrats TV

 

 

Check out our new YouTube Channel We Democrats TV.
This is a video channel of the Leonia Democratic Municipal Committee.
Please click on the video above to view our 2 recent videos
or go directly to YouTube.com/leoniadmc

Downtown Leonia Postcards

Postcards Now Available

 

  

Thank you to all who visited our table at Wood Park. Our special commemorative "Greetings from Downtown Leonia" postcard was received with great enthusiasm. We are making copies available at several businesses in downtown Leonia.

Please visit and support these businesses and pickup several postcards.

Sylvan Grace Florist   –    444 Broad Avenue
Leonia Wine & Spirit   –   307 Broad Avenue
Coffee Park   –   316 Broad Avenue
Happy Market   –   369 Broad Avenue
Moore’s Hardware   –   335 Broad Avenue

Listen, Learn, Ask

Dear Neighbors and Friends,

Tuesday June 3rd, the slate of the current Leonia Democratic Municipal Committee Candidates for Council and Committee Members is facing a challenge in the Primary Election. To help residents better understand the important issues facing our community, we’ve scheduled several home events where a portion of time will be devoted to addressing your concerns.

In preparation for the events, attached is the Platform of the Leonia Democratic Municipal Committee for your review.  We look forward to seeing you at one or all of the following events:

Candidates’ Coffee - Thursday, May 22
8:00 – 10:00 pm
205 Grand Avenue
Home of Carmita Sanchez Fong,

Candidates’ Wine & Cheese – Saturday, May 24
 3:00 – 5:00 pm
29 Hillcrest Ave
Home of Doris Friedensohn

Candidates’ Coffee — Wednesday, May 28
8:00 – 10:00 pm
433 Highwood Avenue
Home of Carol Franklin

Alan Winters
Chair, DMC Leonia

Donate with PayPal
(note: contributor does not need to be
a subscriber to PayPal)

Donate by Mail:
Democrats for a Better Leonia
c/o Sally Seymour, 129 Van Orden Avenue, Leonia, NJ 07605

If you cannot view the image please click on the link to read the Platform on LeoniaDMC blog.

Leonia's Outstanding Citizens, Hans and Ellie Spiegel

Hans and Ellie Spiegel are the first recipients of
the Leonia Community Leadership Award

State Senator Loretta Weinberg of Teaneck, a long-time friend of the community, presented the award at a dinner honoring the couple on Monday evening.
The Spiegels are well-known residents who have always found a way to make their mark serving community needs in a variety of ways.  Since they have such a long and distinguished record of service, it is particularly appropriate they are the first to be recognized.
The award was created by the Leonia Democratic Municipal Committee to reward and foster volunteerism, and to inspire and encourage others who might also want a life of community service.

Read more on LeoniaDMC blog 

Visit leoniadmc.blogspot.com for more info on Vote by Mail Ballot (top left column to download application and instructions) Register to Vote information  Where to Vote information Candidates for Leonia Council 2014 Gil Hawkins  &   John Genese Candidates for Leonia Democratic Municipal Committee 2014 DISTRICT 1: Carmita Fong  &  Steve Churchill DISTRICT 4: Stephanie Keller  &  Gregg Edelman DISTRICT 2: Aviva Levy  &  Alan Winters DISTRICT 5: Christie Evens  &  Michael Raskin DISTRICT 3: Leah Roland  &  Fred Marx DISTRICT 6: Sally Seymour  &  Arnold Trachtenberg

The New Faces of the DMC

The New Faces Candidates for the Democratic Municipal Committee   The DMC is proud to announce the addition to our ticket of three talented residents of Leonia who are new to elected office. We expect that these individuals, with diverse backgrounds, will bring a fresh approach to government.   Gregg Edelman District 4 Gregg was born in Chicago and raised in its suburbs. He attended Northwestern University and graduated with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Speech. In 2011, he and his wife, Carolee Carmello, moved with their two children from Teaneck to Leonia because of its higher-rated school system. They were not disappointed. Their daughter, Zoe, attends the Stern School of Business at New York University while son, Ethan, continues to be challenged by his Leonia teachers. Gregg has worked in his chosen profession of acting for 34 years. He has received four Tony Award nominations, a Drama Desk Award and numerous accolades. Gregg believes that Leonia is “truly a special town, filled with a great mix of people from all backgrounds.” Carmita Fong District 1 Since moving to Leonia in 1988, Carmita Fong has served on the Leonia Environmental Commission, the Home and School Associations at all three Leonia schools, and in St. John’s religious education after-school program. She also volunteers with CoFIA, teaching English as a Second Language at the Palisades Park Library. Carmita is an associate professor in the Interior Design Department at the Fashion Institute of Technology. She helps families and organizations in need by providing them with free interior design and construction services as coordinator of the Interior Design Relief Project at FIT. Carmita lives in Leonia with her husband, Ernesto, and their two children, Rebecca (22) and Nicolas (16), who were born and educated in Leonia. She believes that some of the best people in the world live in Leonia and looks forward to representing District 1. Christie Evens District 1 Christie Evens is a relative newcomer to Leonia. She moved here in 2011 with her husband and daughter from New York City, drawn by Leonia's unique qualities and proximity to the city. She loves Leonia's open and welcoming spirit, and looks forward to helping it thrive.” For 15 years, Christie has worked in the nonprofit sector in programs that include a UNESCO project in Sarajevo during the civil war there, judicial rights education and microfinance programs for small business owners. Christie received a Master’s in Business Administration from the City University of New York. She is a business broker with an office in Englewood. In nice weather, you might see her riding her bicycle to work.

DMC Council Candidates

Democratic Candidates for Leonia Council Gil Hawkins Gill has served Leonia on its Borough Council for nine years. Throughout that time, he has helped Leonia become a more sustainable community and provided it with “good, common-sense leadership.” Like many Leonians, Gil moved to Leonia from New York City. He went through the Leonia school system until he transferred to Sanford Prep School in Delaware in ninth grade. In the late 1980s, Gil built his home on Knapp Terrace, where he and his wife raised their three sons, all of whom went through the Leonia school system and graduated from top-ranking colleges.   John Genese John has been a member of the Historical Preservation Commission since 2011,and was a member of the Transportation Advisory Committee. He works at MINI of Manhattan in New York City and relies on NJ Transit for his daily commute. John moved from New York City to Leonia with his family when he was 6 months old. He attended Leonia schools and even married his wife, Barbara, at St. John’s Church. Their two daughters, Gina and Patricia, also attended Leonia schools. John holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree from Rochester Institute of Technology. After living in Leonia for 37 years, a job transfer forced him and his family to move to South Jersey. In 2008, John and Barbara jumped at the opportunity to move back to Leonia because it is the only place they consider home.

Economic Development: the first steps

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: THE FIRST STEPS The Mayor's Advisory Committee on Economic Development has taken the first steps toward identifying a plan for increasing commercial ratables to lighten the tax burden of homeowners. Stay informed of developments by going to the New Economic Development section of the Borough website:  http://www.leonianj.gov/messageboard/threadView.aspx?id=165

Community Leadership Award

We hope you will join us in paying tribute to outstanding Leonians, Hans and Ellie Spiegel First Annual Community Leadership Award Dinner April 28, 2014 at 7:00pm Franco's Metro Restaurant 1475 Bergen Blvd, Fort Lee, NJ RSVP by April 21 to Sally Seymour by email: sallysey@aol.com or by phone: 201-461-6724 Cost per person: $50  Pay by Check: To Democrats for a Better Leonia c/o Sally Seymour, 129 Van Orden Avenue, Leonia, NJ 07605 Pay by PayPal (click here) Come enjoy great food, pay tribute to the Spiegels while contributing to Democrats for a Better Leonia. If you cannot attend please consider contributing to support us.

A message from the Democratic Municipal Committee Chair

Campaign Message One year ago I became the Chair of the Leonia Democratic Municipal Committee (DMC) to complete the term of the previous Chair. While this unexpected responsibility has its challenges, it’s been very gratifying to work with the dedicated members of the DMC in fulfilling our obligations to the community. The DMC, a group comprised of 2 representatives from each of Leonia’s 6 voting districts, is primarily responsible for selecting candidates to run for Borough Council and Mayor. Our major priority this year has been to implement a plan to cultivate talented individuals in the community to participate in government. In this way, we are assured of having the best people available for public office when the opportunity arises. For the November and upcoming June elections, the DMC has introduced 6 highly capable individuals for Council and Committee positions who have never held public office. These people are the NEXT GENERATION of community leaders and bring new energy to our town. The DMC also acknowledges the accomplishments of the current generation of experienced public officials who do their best to protect our community. These steadfast volunteers devote hours of time to government activities with no agenda but to contribute.   With talented individuals leading the way, I’m excited for the future of Leonia. I hope you will give us the opportunity to continue the progress we’re making in helping to build a better community for all of our residents. Alan Winters Chair, DMC Leonia Please vote for DMC Council Candidates and District Committee Members in the upcoming primary election on June 3rd. For Leonia Council Gil Hawkins and John Genese For Democratic Municipal Committee District 1: Carmita Fong & Steve Churchill         District 2: Aviva Levy & Alan Winters District 3: Leah Roland & Fred Marx          District 4: Stephanie Keller & Gregg Edelman District 5: Christie Evens & Michael Raskin         District 6: Sally Seymour & Arnold Trachtenberg Visit leoniadmc.blogspot.com for more info

Be Involved

BE INVOLVED — VOLUNTEER The Spring election is approaching and the Democratic Municipal Committee (DMC) is seeking candidates for positions on the Town Council and the DMC. This is an opportunity for the next generation of Leonians to become involved in local government and influence important changes in our community. If you're interested in a position on the Council or the DMC please contact Michael Raskin by e-mail at: maraskin@legal-aid.org Alan Winters Chair, DMC Leonia Visit leoniademocrats.blogspot.com & leoniadmc.blogspot.com for more info Leonia Democratic Municipal Committee Members                      DIST 1: Nina Gaetjens • Steve Churchill     DIST 4: Stephanie A. Keller • Mark Spiegel                      DIST 2: Aviva Djiji-Levy • Alan Winters       DIST 5: Mary Ellen Tucker • Michael Raskin                      DIST 3: Leah Roland • Fred Marx               DIST 6: Sally Seymour • Arnold Trachtenberg

Council Re-organization Meeting

Re-organization Meeting Monday January 6th The reorganization meeting of the Leonia Mayor & Council will take place Monday, January 6, at 7:30 pm at the Borough Hall Annex (Little House). Please join us to celebrate the election and swearing in of our newly elected and re-elected Democratic Council Members: Bernadette Flaim - 3-year term Darryl Whitter - 3-year term Happy New Year! Leonia Democratic Municipal Committee Visit leoniademocrats.blogspot.com & leoniadmc.blogspot.com for more info Leonia Democratic Municipal Committee Members                      DIST 1: Nina Gaetjens • Steve Churchill     DIST 4: Stephanie A. Keller • Mark Spiegel                      DIST 2: Aviva Djiji-Levy • Alan Winters       DIST 5: Mary Ellen Tucker • Michael Raskin                      DIST 3: Leah Roland • Fred Marx               DIST 6: Sally Seymour • Arnold Trachtenberg

Happy New Year 2014

Wishing everyone a healthy and prosperous New Year. We look forward to a year of great progress toward the betterment of our community. The Leonia Democratic Municipal Committee Leonia Democratic Municipal Committee Members                      DIST 1: Nina Gaetjens • Steve Churchill     DIST 4: Stephanie A. Keller • Mark Spiegel                      DIST 2: Aviva Djiji-Levy • Alan Winters       DIST 5: Mary Ellen Tucker • Michael Raskin                      DIST 3: Leah Roland • Fred Marx               DIST 6: Sally Seymour • Arnold Trachtenberg

Mayor and Council meeting on Wednesday

We have cause to be proud and celebrate. We are pleased to announce that Senator Loretta Weinberg will be swearing in our newest elected Councilman, Mark Minichiello at tomorrow night's Mayor and Council meeting, 7:30 at the Borough Annex (Wednesday, November 13).   At this meeting as well, citizens and LPD Officers who recently performed CPR on a code blue victim at Overpeck Park will be honored and recognized by the Senator.  We invite you to join us on this special occasion. Visit leoniademocrats.blogspot.com & leoniadmc.blogspot.com for more info Leonia Democratic Municipal Committee Members                      DIST 1: Nina Gaetjens • Steve Churchill     DIST 4: Stephanie A. Keller • Mark Spiegel                      DIST 2: Aviva Djiji-Levy • Alan Winters       DIST 5: Mary Ellen Tucker • Michael Raskin                      DIST 3: Leah Roland • Fred Marx               DIST 6: Sally Seymour • Arnold Trachtenberg

We Thank Pat         We thank Councilman Pat Fusco for his service during the past few months in replacing Councilman I.S. Pak who resigned in July. Mark Minichiello was elected in the recent election to complete the remainder of the term and will be sworn in at the next Council meeting this Wednesday, November, 13th. Pat will continue his involvement with the Economic Development Committee and we look forward to his accomplishments in this position. Alan Winters Chair, Leonia Democratic Municipal Committee Visit leoniademocrats.blogspot.com & leoniadmc.blogspot.com for more info Leonia Democratic Municipal Committee Members                      DIST 1: Nina Gaetjens • Steve Churchill     DIST 4: Stephanie A. Keller • Mark Spiegel                      DIST 2: Aviva Djiji-Levy • Alan Winters       DIST 5: Mary Ellen Tucker • Michael Raskin                      DIST 3: Leah Roland • Fred Marx               DIST 6: Sally Seymour • Arnold Trachtenberg

Mayor DeSimone endorses Mark Minichiello

Mayor DeSimone endorses Mark Minichiello Mayor John DeSimone has endorsed candidate Mark Minichiello in the only contested Town Council race.  Minichiello is listed on the November 5th ballot in column 2 along with candidates Bernadette Flaim and Darryl Whitter whose races are uncontested. Mark Minichiello and his family are 20 year residents of Leonia. Mark is a retired executive in the field of retail visual merchandising, creative planning and store design. A member of the Lions Club, Mark served as King Lion for four years. Mayor DeSimone believes that Mark's business experience and skills will prove a great asset on the Council. "Mark is energetic and practical", says DeSimone, "and since he's retired will be able to devote the time to helping resolve the many challenges ahead. I look forward to working with Mark on the Council where I anticipate his participation in economic development as we strive to lighten the tax burden of homeowners."   General Election Tues, November 5 FOR MORE INFO VISIT Leonia Today Democrats for a Better Leonia Facebook.com/LeoniaDMC