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