The Guttenberg Township Council last week named Tom Barnes, a retired Navy pilot, to take the council seat formerly occupied by Ramon de la Cruz. De la Cruz resigned his position recently to become the state director of elections in Trenton.
Barnes also had won the June Democratic primary to run for one of two seats that will open up on the council in November. He will remain on the ticket. Since de la Cruz was the one who had won the primary for the other seat, someone had to be named to replace him on the ticket as well.
The township’s Democratic committee selected Jennifer Credidio to replace de la Cruz on that ticket, which will pit Barnes and the 24-year-old Credidio against Republican challengers Bond Blake and Joseph Aponte.
Guttenberg Mayor David Delle Donna applauded the moves.
“Putting Tom on the council now is the logical choice,” Delle Donna said. “He brings a new perspective to the council as someone who hasn’t been around long. He brings a different aspect, some fresh ideas. He might be able to see things that we don’t see.”
Barnes, a native of Texas, has lived in Guttenberg’s Bulls Ferry complex on River Road for the last two years.
“I think there’s a pool of talented people that live in Bulls Ferry, with new people coming into the town,” Delle Donna said. “I think it’s important that they get representation. Tom has experience that will help us make solid and sound decisions.”
Delle Donna was also pleased to have Credidio join the ticket. A third year law student at Seton Hall Law School, Credidio has served as the chairperson for the township’s Planning/Zoning Board for the last two years and was the chief of staff for former state Assemblyman Rudy Garcia for almost three years.
“I feel confident that Jennifer and I are on the same page,” Delle Donna said. “We both want what’s best for the town. I welcome her as a candidate. I think it’s about time we have representation from a woman. She’s young, energetic and an asset to our ticket.”
Credidio said that she was shocked that she was being considered.
“I’m surprised, of course, and I’m thrilled,” Credidio said. “This is something I’ve wanted to do for a very long time. I wanted to be involved and I’m thrilled to have the support of the council.”
Credidio, who holds a bachelor’s in political science and a master’s degree in public administration and urban policy from Columbia University, does not believe her age is a factor as a candidate.
“It might be a detractor for people who don’t know me,” Credidio said. “I know I can handle myself. I think a youthful perspective is helpful. I think I’ll be able to fit in just fine. I’ve also said for quite some time that I wanted to see a woman on the council. I think we need a balance there.”
Credidio said that she has a lot of respect for Barnes and thinks that the two will provide a formidable ticket in November.
“We’re not going to take anything for granted,” Credidio said. “We’re both newcomers to running for office, so we have to bring our message to the voters.”
Barnes could not be reached for comment by press time.
There could be other activity within the council as well. Javier Inclan, who has been a councilman for the last four years, recently took a position as the assistant executive director with the West New York Housing Authority.
The federal Hatch Act prohibits those working for an agency that collects federal funds from being a candidate in a partisan election. While some residents believe that Inclan should step down because of his new job, Inclan believes that he can finish out his term, which runs until Dec. 31, 2003, but will not be able to seek re-election in the May, 2003 primary.
“I’m well aware of the Hatch Act, but it is not true that I have to step down,” Inclan said. “I’ll be able to finish out my term.”