The Town of Guttenberg has a new councilwoman who is already learning the ground rules of government. She is a quick learner and a keen observer!
Councilwoman Monica Fundora tells us that she was born in Marinilla, Colombia, and came to the United States in 1991. She first lived in North Bergen. In 1992, she and her husband, Leovlado “Leo” Fundora, who is from Cuba, settled in Guttenberg. Her husband is the owner of Falcon Remodeling Company, also in Guttenberg.
Councilwoman Fundora tells us that she comes from a large family, and that her mother Margarita lives in Colombia, and that her father Migel is now deceased. She has nine sisters named: Consuelo, Amparo, Angela, Nelly, Claudia, Adriana, Celina, Mayela, and Miryam. The last one currently lives in North Bergen. Her brothers are Alvaro, Jose, and Gerardo. Councilwoman Fundora tells us that she and her husband have a daughter Nicole who is a student at the Anna L. Klein School in Guttenberg. Councilwoman Fundora is a graduate of Dover Business College in Paramus, where she studied computer operations in 1995, and currently is employed in private industry at Island Container Company in Saddle Brook for the past 13 years. As an avid and active member of the Parent/Teacher Organization in Guttenberg, Councilman Fundora believes that this is where her personality became noticed, as she is an advocate for children and education. Furthermore, she is active in senior citizen affairs, and enjoys helping them in any way she can. Moreover, she is bilingual, and was proud to be asked to be part of the Drasheff for Mayor Team in 2009.
Since being sworn in as a councilwoman in January, 2010 Councilwoman Fundora tells us that she has been learning the community process, and sincerely plans to get active in learning everything about her town and its history. In her personal life, Councilman Fundora tells us that she has traveled to the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Mexico, is very family-oriented, and likes salsa dancing. She also says that her duty also is to watch her daughter’s activities, to make sure that her daughter can be successful in life, and get a good education!
As a member of the town council, she plans to stay active in senior citizen affairs, and child education planning. Councilwoman Fundora fully believes that the “soul” of the town abides in its senior citizens, and that its children are Guttenberg’s future! Her Hopes are for a model senior citizen center and better recreation programs for youth in the future, and development thereof! Councilwoman Fundora tells us with humor that as a Gemini, she likes to think futuristically and positive about life! Moreover, she has already consulted senior citizens about their opinions, and has been dutifully listening to suggestions! Guttenberg Mayor Gerald Drasheff tells us that he plans to use Councilman Fundora’s asset in the Recreation Department Committee, with present Director Patricia O’ Connor, where she would be a good oversight asset. Mayor Drasheff also said that he likes Councilwoman Fundora’s energy, and her opinions on senior citizen and childhood issues!
Another assignment that was given to the councilwoman was being appointed to the Town Planning and Zoning Board. Its Chairman Brian Guaschino said that fresh new ideas from a new member will also help with new thinking on future issues, and he is looking forward to working closely with Councilwoman Fundora!
As for the councilwoman herself, she says that if the word politics means getting along with people, liking people, and helping people, then that is what she is; a true people person! Councilman Monica Fundora, all the best!!!…..
This columnist heard from North Bergen Police Chief William Galvin, who praised the background of Weehawken Deputy Police Chief Jeffrey Fulcher, and also praised a prior column about him earlier this month. Thank you, Chief Galvin. It is really a pleasure having you as one of my readers, too. You truly honor me!…
United States Air Force Reserve Airman Suela Nasufi has graduated from Basic Military Training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. Airman Nasufi is the daughter of Adriana Nasufi of West New York. Best wishes!..
Union City resident Kamala Begega was recently cited and received an award for her 20 years with the organization as service manager for the Cerebral Palsy of North Jersey’s Early Intervention Program. Many happy returns of your day!…
Readers, Secaucus Mayor Michael Gonnelli tells us that he believes that he is the “first” mayor and fire chief in town history, if not Hudson County municipal history. Mayor Gonnelli is the chief of the Secaucus Volunteer Fire Department. Former legendary Mayor Paul Amico of Secaucus tells us that there was a deceased Secaucus mayor named John Kane who was also at the same time the county fire marshall. Readers, there you have it, more North Hudson history in the making. As for Mayor Gonnelli, best of luck to you!!!…
And so it goes…until next time…see you around town…MATT.
Readers who would like to contribute to this column can do so by mailing by your news items and photographs, along with your name, address, and telephone number to: Matthew Amato, c/o The Hudson Reporter, 1400 Washington St., Hoboken, New Jersey 07030.Thank you!