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Candidates compete for offices of mayor and council
On Nov. 6, residents will choose between two mayoral candidates and four council candidates.
Incumbent Dennis Deutsch is being challenged by Councilman John Sapanara for the office of mayor while Democrats Kenneth Rush and Frank Prospero are up against Republicans William Kirk and Jonathan DeJoseph for two council seats.
Mayoral Candidates
Democrat Dennis Deutsch
Age: 58
Occupation: Attorney
Years Resident: 19 years
Family: Wife, Ann; two children
Education: BA and MA from
University of
Pittsburgh ; J.D. from
Dickinson
School of Law
Community involvement: Hillsdale Centennial Committee; Fire Commissioner; Department of Public Works liaison; council liaison to boards of education; Hillsdale insurance commissioner; Hillsdale Football Association
WHY ARE YOU SEEKING OFFICE?
“I want to keep Hillsdale moving in this direction of maintaining the charm of the town and to benefit all the residents,” said Deutsch. He said, it has been an “honor” to serve as mayor and he is proud of the accomplishments the council has achieved during his term, including the 24-hour television station and the acquisition of funds for open space.
Republican John Sapanara
Age: 55
Occupation: Retired special agent for the FBI
Years Resident: 23 years
Family: Wife, Ginna; three sons
Education: BA from the
Military
Academy at
West Point
Community involvement: Council member; library volunteer, Boy Scout volunteer; member of American Legion Post 162
WHY ARE YOU SEEKING OFFICE?
“I think I can help Hillsdale move in a positive direction,” said Sapanara. With four years on the council, he said, he can “continue the great work done by the previous administration.”
Council Candidates
Republican Jonathan DeJoseph
Age: 29
Occupation: Owner, DeJoseph Landscaping, Inc.
Years Resident: 29 years
Family: Single
Education: BA from
St. Thomas
Aquinas
University
Community involvement: Treasurer of the Hillsdale Chamber of Commerce; President of Westwood UNICO; volunteer firefighter; Hillsdale budget advisory committee
WHY ARE YOU SEEKING OFFICE?
“I want people in Hillsdale to be treated fairly,” said DeJoseph. “I want to do what’s right for the community of Hillsdale.”
Republican William Kirk
Age: 64
Occupation: Retired middle school principal
Years Resident: 36 years
Family: Wife, Maria; two children
Education: MA-plus degree from NYU
Community involvement: CCD teacher, sports coach,
Pascack
Valley
Hospital volunteer
WHY ARE YOU SEEKING OFFICE?
Kirk is running for council because he would like to keep Hillsdale as it is and “reduce taxes by at least one point.”
Democrat Frank Prospero
Age: 42
Years Resident: Eight years
Occupation: Mechanical engineer
Family: Wife, Rita; two children
Education: Bachelor’s degree
Community involvement: Coach for Hillsdale soccer, tee ball, and softball; men’s basketball and softball
WHY ARE YOU SEEKING OFFICE?
“I want to make a better life for my wife and two kids,” said Prospero, adding that he wants “to continue to strive to keep Hillsdale the town it is today.”
Democrat Ken Rush
Age: 43
Occupation: Attorney
Years Resident: 15 years
Family: Wife, Deborah; two children
Education: BA,
University of
Scranton ; JD,
Rutgers
School of Law
Community involvement: Coach for Hillsdale basketball, softball, soccer, and Arsenal soccer coach
WHY ARE YOU SEEKING OFFICE?
Rush is running for council again because he wants to continue serving Hillsdale. “My record speaks for itself,” said Rush. “I have benefited all demographics.”
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