Cuccinello, Wojtecki, Collier and Gardner hold Town Hall Meeting
HAWTHORNE – The Hawthorne Democratic ticket, former Councilwoman and candidate for mayor Lois Cuccinello and Council candidates Councilman Joseph Wojtecki, Naomi B. Collier and Jeff Gardner held a Town Hall Meeting on Tuesday, which drew a large crowd of engaged residents.
“We want to hear what our neighbors have to say, and we’ll continue listening to the ideas, concerns and suggestions that come from the entire community. Listening is an important part of leadership, and something we are committed to – it only makes sense to hear from the people what’s on their mind, and what they want from their elected officials,” said Cuccinello.
Among the topics raised included traffic and parking issues, code enforcement, development concerns, and quality of life in the Borough. “It’s clear the residents of Hawthorne want to have a voice in our community, and have felt excluded for too long,” said Gardner. “We want to bring a more open, inclusive and respectful government to Hawthorne.”
Lois Cuccinello is a former Passaic County Freeholder who also served as an assistant labor commissioner under Governor Jon Corzine’s administration. She is Secretary-Treasurer/Assistant Business Manager for Local 32 of the Office and Professional Employees International Union, (OPEIU), AFL-CIO, located in Union. She received an undergraduate degree from William Paterson University and a master’s degree in labor relations from Cornell University. She represented the Fourth Ward while serving on the council from 1994 to 2003. She resides on Lafayette Avenue.
Joe Wojtecki has represented the First Ward on the council since 2003. He serves on several council committees, including administration, finance, technology, and legislation. He is also liaison to the Shade Tree Commission He is assistant director of customer experience at Clara Maas Medical Center, a division of Barnabas Healthcare System, where he was a former food services director. He is a member of the Hawthorne Fire Department, Company 3, and a coach with the Hawthorne Soccer Association and Little League. He is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and resides on Elberon Avenue.
Naomi Collier is an attorney specializing in trusts and estates, and provides pro bono counsel to victims of domestic violence. She received an undergraduate degree from North Carolina State University and a law degree from the North Carolina Central University School of Law. She is vice president of Democrats for Hawthorne and a member of the Roosevelt School PTO. She resides on Robertson Avenue.
Jeff Gardner is an attorney with a solo practice in Hawthorne specializing in labor law. Prior to opening his own practice, he was an attorney for the National Labor Relations Board. He received an undergraduate degree from Rutgers University, New Brunswick, and a law degree from Rutgers University Law School, Newark. He is chairman of the Hawthorne Democratic Organization and a co-founder and past president of the Hawthorne Historical Society. He is also a member of the Board of Trustees at Passaic County Community College.
Hawthorne Voting Districts
Upcoming Events
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- 27: Memorial Day Parade
- 28: May Democrats for Hawthorne Meeting and Candidate Rally
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- 04: Primary Election Day
- 05: Council Meeting - June 5
- 19: Council Meeting - June 19
- 25: June Democrats for Hawthorne Meeting
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- 10: Council Meeting - July 10
- 23: July Democrats for Hawthorne Meeting
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- 07: Council Meeting - August 7
Message of the Day
Rome wasn’t built in a day. But brick by brick, we’re building up the democratic party in Hawthorne.
Maureen Kasper lives at 47 Mary St. in Ward 1, District 1. Maureen has three loves in her life: her husband, her children, and Hawthorne. She and her husband, Edward Kasper, have been Hawthorne residents for the past 30 years. Maureen has been working with Bergen County Public Works for 36 years now. She has been a County Committee Member and active Hawthorne Democratic Club member for many years, and has enjoyed every minute of it.
Alex Clavijo lives at 33 Westervelt Ave. in Ward 1, District 1. A Hawthorne resident since 2001, Alex is a senior mortgage consultant with First Interstate Financial. He and his wife Olga have 3 children who attend Hawthorne schools. Alex is active in the community as a Sergeant in the Hawthorne Auxiliary Police. He speaks fluent Spanish, and is currently working to build a Financial Head Start organization which aims to provide financial literacy primarily to youth. An avid sports fan who roots for Penn State and Notre Dame, Alex is an athlete himself, a soccer player who has also run 2 
Stacy Wojtecki lives at 20 Elberon Ave. in Ward 1, District 2, with her husband, Democratic Councilman Joe Wojtecki, and their three children Joseph, Alexander and Christian. She is Treasurer of the Hawthorne Democratic Organization. Stacy is 
Joe Osborne lives at 112 Cedar Ave. in Ward 1, District 2. He is the Membership Chair for the Democrats for Hawthorne club. A lifelong Democrat who got his start working for Clinton ‘92, Joe has been a tireless supporter of the Hawthorne Dems, serving as membership chair, building the Memorial Day parade floats, designing the campaign graphics, and generally making himself useful. His wife, Heidi Ehman, is a lifelong resident and they have a daughter, Hope. Together, they own and operate Me & Hue Decorative Painting in North Haledon. In his spare time, Joe is the founder and coach of the Blue Jersey Road Runners and an organizer for Passaic County Democracy for America. He believes political patronage is a disease that we need to cure.
Marilyn Lota lives at 19 Arlington Ave. in Ward 1, District 3. She has lived in Hawthorne for 34 years. Her son and daughter were educated in the Hawthorne school system and she participated in 
Lori Talarico lives at 90 Parmelee Ave. in Ward 1, District 3. A life-long Democrat, Lori received her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from Columbia University. She is a full-time Assistant Professor at Bergen Community College where she teaches writing. In addition to teaching, she is the founder of and faculty advisor to 
Peter Ramos lives at 358 Diamond Bridge Ave. in Ward 2, District 1. Peter was in the US Army (82nd Airborne Division) and is proud to have served his country. When he moved to Hawthorne in 1973, Peter made Hawthorne a part of himself. He has been an usher at St. Anthony’s church since 1980, and is vice president for the St. Anthony Holy Name Society. He is also the warden for the Knights of Columbus Council. Peter has two daughters and two grandchildren. He has been with the Democratic County Committee since 1974 and believes that Democrats have always been on the side of the working people.
Angie Girgenti lives at 193 Washington Ave. in Ward 2, District 1. Angie has lived in Hawthorne for 60 years. She has two children – Senator John Girgenti and Joseph Girgenti. Angie raised her children to become hard working people and to accomplish every goal they set out to do. She has served as a County Committee Member for the Democrat Party for 30 years and has gained a great amount of political knowledge.
Paul Cantello lives at 37 Sylvester Ave. in Ward 2, District 2. Paul is an independent-thinking Democrat who ran a strong race for Council in 2010, pledging to represent every citizen of this great town with honesty and integrity. He was born and raised in Hawthorne, and has lived here for over 30 years. Paul is a founding member of the Hawthorne Farmer’s Market, a volunteer at the Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge, and has been a special contributor to The Gazette weekly newspaper. Paul regularly participates in United Way and CityYear volunteer events. He is an active advocate for the community, speaking up at council meetings and writing letters to the local papers.
Tom Bushnauskas lives at 43 Kingston Avenue in Ward 2, District 2, with his wife Debbie and their four children. They have one child in Lincoln Middle school, one in Hawthorne High school, and two are now graduates of 
Anthony Veli lives at 274 Central Ave. in Ward 2, District 3. Anthony loves being around people and hearing what they have to say. So, he decided what else better to do than get a degree in communications from Western New England College. He has made Hawthorne a part of him and his life for 7 years now, and it continues growing on him more each day.
Dana Veli lives at 274 Central Ave. in Ward 2, District 3. Dana is a lifelong resident of Hawthorne – born and raised. She attended Hawthorne’s Public Schools, and with her husband, Anthony, decided to make their home in the town she loves. Dana has always and will continue to support the Democratic Party.
Eric Orseck lives at 27 Mountain Ave. in Ward 3, District 1. Eric is an attorney whose practice includes representation of municipalities in various matters. A lifelong Democrat, Eric has been a Hawthorne resident for 11 years, having grown up in Glen Rock. His mother, Joan, is a Democratic Councilwoman in Glen Rock, where Eric runs the Men’s Softball league. He is hoping to help bring more Democratic success stories to Hawthorne.
Vincent Mott lives at 88 Metro Vista Dr. in Ward 3, District 1. Vincent believes in having a strong background in education and graduated from Hawthorne High School, Fairleigh Dickinson University, and the University of Tennessee. He served in the military – US Air Force from 1962-1966. Vincent is now retired from the industry and currently works in Paterson at the Parking Authority. Vincent has always been interested in politics and has been with the Democratic County Committee since 2004.
Jayne Ace-Bosgra lives at 162 Third Ave. in Ward 3, District 2. She is Vice President of the Democrats for Hawthorne club. A resident of Hawthorne since 1981, Jayne has been active in every democratic campaign in town since 1997, including stepping up to run for Council four times. She is currently president of the Board of Health of which she has been a member since 2006. Jayne is also Vice President of Friends of the Louis Bay 2nd Library, a charter member and trustee for WE DO (Women Empowered Democratic Organization of Passaic County), and a charter member of the Hawthorne Historical Society. In the past, she has served as a charter member of the Hawthorne Education Action Team, and as 
Jake Bosgra lives at 162 Third Ave. in Ward 3, District 2. He has been a Borough resident since 1969, and is a member of the Friends of the Louis Bay 2nd Library. Jake has participated in all local elections since 1997. He is married to his 3-2 running mate, Jayne Ace-Bosgra, and they have two sons, Joseph and Daniel, who still live in town. Most recently, Jake and Jayne have shared a passion for providing foster care for newborn infants pending adoption.
Mary Lou (Bohny) Frankel lives at 5 Glen Ct. in Ward 3, District 3. She is Vice-Chair of the Hawthorne Democratic Organization. Mary Lou is a lifelong Democrat and Hawthorne resident. She has been active in local politics as a council candidate, campaign coordinator, communications director and volunteer coordinator. She is a former president of the Hawthorne Democratic Unit, a founding member and trustee of WE DO (Women Empowered Democratic Organization of Passaic County), and a coordinator of Passaic County 
Meaghan Tuohey-Kay lives at 25 Beverly Rd. in Ward 3, District 3. She is President of the Democrats for Hawthorne club. Meaghan grew up in Hawthorne, and is now an attorney with her own practice here in the Borough. Her children attend St. Anthony’s school. Jamie, her husband, is a high school science teacher. Meaghan coaches her daughter’s softball team and sponsors a tee-ball team for her son. The family is active in church, sports and scouting. Meaghan was one of the founders of the successful 2009 Hawthorne Farmer’s Market. She believes Hawthorne’s Democratic party should offer competitive ideas for improving life in Hawthorne.
Jeff Gardner lives at 124 Highview Terrace in Ward 3, District 4, where he is currently a Democratic County Committeemember. He was elected Hawthorne Democratic Leader in June 2010. Jeff was the campaign manager for the Hawthorne Democrats in 2005, 2007 and 2009, as well as for Councilman Joe Wojtecki’s campaign for Mayor in 2008. Jeff is an attorney, a graduate of Rutgers College and Rutgers Law School. He is a lifelong democrat, and the founder and chair of Passaic County Democracy for America. Jeff also is a contributor for BlueJersey.com, a popular progressive political blog.
Roger Kelsch lives at 41 Charwalt Dr. in Ward 3, District 4. He is an experienced business manager in both the manufacturing and consumer products industries for the past 20 years, empowering others through team work. Roger is also a motivational speaker on topics of accountability and responsibility in the business community. He is hoping to apply those skills to help build the Democratic Party in Hawthorne.
Cindy Frank lives at 74 6th Ave. in Ward 4, District 1. She is the Secretary of the Democrats for Hawthorne club. A resident of Hawthorne for nearly 13 years, Cindy graduated from Ramapo College, and is now a Corporate IT Training Specialist. She is an active member of Hawthorne’s Green Team. She would like to see Democrats get elected in Hawthorne, and has enjoyed meeting other Democrats in her District while serving on the County Committee. 
Jackie Burrows lives at 37 11th Ave. in Ward 4, District 1, and grew up in Hawthorne, attending public schools K-12. Her commitment to the community began at an early age when she umpired Little League baseball, and continues to the present. She volunteers for the Hawthorne Domestic Violence Team, and supports the Hawthorne Cubs, Christian Health Care Center, 
Naomi B. Collier lives at 76 Robertson Ave. in Ward 4, District 2. She is the Secretary of the Hawthorne Democratic Organization. Naomi ran a hard-fought campaign for Mayor in 2009, becoming Hawthorne’s first woman to run in a general election for the position. Naomi is also a co-founder of the Hawthorne Farmer’s Market. A trusts and estates attorney, Naomi serves on the Executive Board of Woman Lawyers in Bergen County, and as Trustee and Treasurer for the Jean Robertson Foundation, which provides scholarships to woman law students with an interest in public service. Additionally, she volunteers for Alternatives to Domestic Violence, providing victims of domestic violence with various services, including legal representation. Naomi is dedicated to reinvigorating Hawthorne’s Democratic Party.
Dr. Kevin Slavin lives at 642 Lincoln Ave. in Ward 4, District 2. Kevin is a Pediatric Infectious Diseases specialist and is currently Chief of the Section of Quality and Safety at the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center. Kevin has lived in Hawthorne for the past 5+ years and has been disappointed by the lack of participation and grassroots involvement of the local Democratic Leadership. He would like to improve visibility, clarify our positions and insure that there is representation from all Hawthorne points of view when decisions are being made.
Danielle Rizzi lives at 24 Ravine Dr. in Ward 4, District 3. She is a recent graduate of Ramapo College of New Jersey. Danielle has been a resident in Hawthorne for close to seven years, and is excited to be involved with the Democratic Party and being a part of a group of people that feel that change in Hawthorne is necessary. This is one step in the right direction towards a much bigger goal that she hopes we all can achieve together!
Todd “Smoothie” Parkhurst lives at 104 Braen Ave. in Ward 4, District 3. After living in Hawthorne as a young child, Todd returned to stay 20 years ago. He was the owner of Stinger Transport, Inc., which played a major role in the renovation of the Washington School playground. Todd is now a Teamster, who works in the TV/Film industry. He has been involved in Hawthorne politics for many years, and has been a familiar face and passionate voice at Borough Council meetings. He hopes that a new leadership can bring positive changes to Hawthorne.