SECAUCUS – More than 100 supporters gathered on Sept. 24 at Burger and Pizza Stop in Secaucus for the official launch of the Independent political ticket Take Back Secaucus. The next mayor/council election will be held in November of 2013.
The ticket is comprised of Mayor Michael Gonnelli, Deputy Mayor and 2nd Ward Councilman John Bueckner, 1st ward Councilman Robert Costantino, and 3rd ward Councilman William McKeever.
Gonnelli ran unopposed for mayor when former Mayor Dennis Elwell resigned July 28, 2009 after being arrested in a statewide FBI corruption sting. Before running for political office, Gonnelli was the superintendent of the Department of Public Works and a volunteer fire chief.
Gonnelli spoke about maintaining an open and honest government. He said that the town has invested in children by updating all of the parks. “Kids don’t vote but kids are important,” said Gonnelli. He also described the environmental initiatives, starting the emergency fund to help needy individuals, and support for the seniors.
He also said, “from a financial standpoint, I don’t think the town has been in better shape.”
Gonnelli first campaigned under the Take Back Secaucus banner in 2006 with Councilman Gary Jeffas and Robert “Bob” Berckes, who all ran as Independents for council seats against Elwell candidates Michael Grecco, Robert Kickey, and John Shinnick.
“We are going to remind people of how great Secaucus is,” said Dan Amico, Volunteer Campaign Manager. “People love living here.”
Amico said that the mayor and council members are continuously striving to improve the town. “The [residents] have people who care,” noted Amico.
Gonnelli said that the campaign has already begun to go door to door ringing bells and reintroducing themselves. The Independents hope to raise $100,000 for the campaign. They also plan to organize voter registration drives.