Local Community Gathers To Pray For Peace In Israel

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Crafted with passion and expertise, a perfect bagel is really what a mayor brings to a table as leader of a community.  

Baking bagels before sunrise, selling ads daily for his publications and serving Mt. Olive residents as a civic leader for more than a decade, Joe Nicastro undoubtably brings on his passion and expertise, working hard to get the job done. 

He thrives on new challenges, community connection and keeping busy — so when he saw the opening for a new mayor of Mt. Olive Twp. he knew he must run. Nicastro is vying on the Republican ticket against his Democrat opponent Dr. Antoine Gayles in the upcoming general election on Nov. 7.   

“Following my years of service on the council and discovering the immense satisfaction in assisting our residents, I came to the realization that I am eager to take on more responsibilities when the opportunity arises,” says Nicastro of Budd Lake. “I have a set of fantastic new ideas that I'm eager to present, which will be of significant assistance to the residents of Mt. Olive. I'm enthusiastic about diving into action from day one once I'm elected.”
As an elected leader, Nicastro has served on the Mt. Olive Twp. Council for three terms since 2012. The governing body has selected his as council president for the past eight consecutive years and one year as vice president. He has served on the Economic Development Committee, as Board of Health chair and has been a member of the Mt. Olive Republican Committee for the past eight years and its current chair.
“I take immense pride in the collective accomplishments of myself, my dedicated fellow council members and our steadfast mayor,” says Nicastro about his time on the Mt. Olive Council. “These achievements are a testament to our commitment to the community and include several noteworthy milestones:
Fiscal Responsibility: We've successfully maintained an extraordinary 11-year streak without a municipal tax increase, demonstrating our prudent financial stewardship.
Property Acquisition: The acquisition of the old Tarn property has been a significant achievement, ensuring that this valuable land is preserved and utilized for the benefit of our residents.
Enhanced Recreation: We've made substantial improvements at Turkey Brook Park, introducing popular amenities such as the Splash Pad and Pirates Cove, enhancing recreational opportunities for our community.
Sports Field Upgrades: Our comprehensive turfing of all athletic fields has not only elevated the quality of sports facilities but also contributed to our town's overall appeal.
Transparent Communication: Prioritizing transparent communication with our residents has been instrumental in keeping them well-informed about ongoing developments within our township.
Shared Services: We've expanded our reach by providing shared services to neighboring towns, generating valuable revenue for our community.
Innovations in Waste Management: We've modernized our waste management system, transitioning from old-style garbage trucks to the more efficient "one-armed bandits" currently in use.
Community Engagement Initiatives: I've personally spearheaded initiatives like the recycling program for plastic bags and the installation of mailboxes at town hall and Turkey Brook, providing convenient locations for residents to dispose of old flags.
“These accomplishments reflect my unwavering commitment to improving our community, and they represent just a portion of the many outstanding achievements realized through our collaborative efforts,” says Nicastro.
While he has been an integral part of these accomplishments, Nicastro realizes that challenges still exist.
“There are a range of concerns within our community, and I am committed to addressing them to the best of my abilities,” says Nicastro. “Some of the issues that I find particularly concerning include the need to improve Route 46, enhance highway safety, and address the various challenges our residents face.
“I've heard from many fellow residents, especially those in the older demographic, who wish to remain in our town after selling their homes,” he continues. “It can be difficult for them to do so, and I'm eager to explore solutions that make it more affordable for individuals aged 62 and over to continue living in Mt. Olive. 

“Another pressing issue I've encountered pertains to the rising demand for assistance among families in need,” he adds. “In response to this challenge, I advocate for the establishment of a permanent township food pantry, to be managed by the existing non-profit organization overseeing it. This initiative aims to more effectively meet the growing needs within our community and ensure that essential resources remain accessible to our residents.” 

For issues that may come up by other residents, Nicastro is ready to address their concerns.  “Throughout the years, I've engaged in conversations with numerous residents who have reached out to me about a range of issues, from minor concerns like tree problems to more substantial matters related to water and safety,” he says. “Regardless of the issue's scale, each one holds significance for me, and it's my responsibility to work diligently to address them to the best of my ability.”
Entrepreneur and Volunteer 

When it comes to juggling and working hard, Nicastro has been mastering those skills for years.  

He is co-owner of Maljon LLC/ My Life Publications with his wife Mary Lalama for the past 25 years and they currently publish nine monthly newspapers, print and online. One of those papers is Mt. Olive Life and features all the positive and inspiring stories happening in town.
Just this past year, they became owners of Hackettstown Bagels.
“Throughout my career, I have been a lifelong entrepreneur, initiating my initial business venture at the young age of 18,” describes Nicastro. “My entrepreneurial journey has encompassed the ownership and subsequent sale of a fruit and vegetable store, a bar and restaurant, and a larger newspaper group, which was ultimately acquired by the Bergen Record in 2003 which brought moving to Mt. Olive and starting our papers here.” 

Outside of work, he has volunteered as a board member of the Mt. Olive Child Care and Learning Center, and worked with the Mt. Olive High School band and tricky trays, creating websites to facilitate online sales.
“Also, each Thanksgiving, I join my wife in volunteering at the Senior Center,” he adds. “Together, we serve dinner to individuals who may be alone or facing financial constraints, ensuring that they can enjoy a warm Thanksgiving meal.”
As an elected leader, Nicastro knows what it will take to be a great mayor and keep Mt. Olive as a favorable place to live.  
“It is important as a leader to be able to lead in good times and not so good times,” he realizes. “Owning my own businesses, I have learned to navigate through many difficult times and figure out the best way to move forward. The same is with being mayor, you have to be able to make tough decisions that are in the best interest of the people you serve and what is best for the town. Being a creative person, I have some new fresh ideas that I know will improve the lives of the residents that I am serving.”
Platform and Why Vote for Nicastro 

“My slogan, "Focused on the Future," holds great significance for me, particularly because our township is evolving rapidly,” he says. “It's essential that we remain at the forefront of cutting-edge technology to enhance the efficiency of our departments and meet the evolving needs of our residents.
“Furthermore, we must be conscious of the shifting demographics within our community,” continues Nicastro. “We all share a common living space, and it's vital that everyone feels engaged and well-informed. To foster this, I plan to create a concise weekly video update that will ensure all residents are kept abreast of developments and important information in our township.”
Serving Mt. Olive has been his pleasure and he only hopes to lead the way to continued success.
“I am deeply honored to serve our residents and to have played a role in the continued progress of Mt. Olive,” says Nicastro. “Over the past 11 years, my hope is that our residents have found satisfaction in our township and in their lives here. I want to emphasize my commitment to honesty, truthfulness, and unwavering support for all our residents.
“Transparency is a core principle I adhere to,” he says. “I am here to work for the residents, and I will maintain open lines of communication by sharing my cell phone number and email, ensuring that anyone can reach me at any time with questions or concerns.
“My leadership style is rooted in honesty, integrity, and a dedication to preserving the path of success we have enjoyed over the past 12 years,” he adds. “I humbly seek your support in this election, alongside my fellow running mates, as we continue to work together for the betterment of our community.” 

With four seats up to fill, the Republican council could become a mixed breed but Nicastro welcomes a diverse group.  

“Regardless of whether someone aligns with the Republican or Democratic party, what truly matters in local government is that we all have the best interests of our residents at heart, free from personal agendas,” he says. “Our focus should be on the concerns that directly impact our community.
“National issues are not the primary concerns of our residents,” he says. “They worry about their safety, the condition of our roads, sanitation services, and the state of our recreational facilities. Our responsibility as the governing body is to ensure that we deliver these essential services to the residents who have entrusted us with their votes and to address the issues within our control.
“I believe in fostering positive relationships with everyone and welcoming fresh ideas,” continues Nicastro. “I have no reservations about working collaboratively with elected officials from any party, as long as we remain dedicated to the betterment of our community and its residents.”
For those who may question how he will wear yet another hat, Nicastro plans to handle his stride.
“Our publication features the incredible stories of the people in our town, and I am committed to its ongoing monthly publication,” he says about his newspaper. “Thanks to efficient operations, it requires minimal time each month to ensure the papers reach our residents promptly.
“Regarding Hackettstown Bagels, my wife Mary and I are currently involved in its management, though our son-in-law oversees day-to-day operations,” he explains. “We have diligently built a reliable staff, and the business is now staffed by a capable team. Upon being elected as mayor, I will transition my focus to town hall, dedicating each day to the essential tasks of serving our township and its residents.”
Nicastro concludes, “I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the residents for entrusting me with your votes for the past 11+ years. I humbly request your continued trust and support in this upcoming election, allowing me to serve as your mayor and continue the journey we embarked on together more than a decade ago.” 

Like a good mayor, Nicastro is there:  “Bagels have a way of bringing people together—creating moments of connection and shared joy. A bagel is more than just a food—it's a symbol of comfort, tradition, and community”~author unknown. 

Through collaboration, possibility thinking and action, Dr. Antoine Gayles of Budd Lake plans to address local concerns and help reshape Mt. Olive into a vibrant and inclusive community.  

Gayles, 55, is a Democrat running against Republican candidate Joe Nicastro for the next mayor of Mt. Olive. With the November 7 General Election less than a month away, voters will get to choose which man should fill the seat for the next four years.  

As an educator, volunteer, leader, entrepreneur and 25-year resident of Mt. Olive, Gayles is well-versed in many areas and is ready to serve in the political arena wearing a new hat.   

“I strongly believe that I am the public servant who is willing to address the everyday quality of life issues faced by our neighbors,” says Gayles. His supporters highly agree.  

He decided to run for mayor in April 2023, after the filing deadline, when he learned that residents named him as their top candidate.   

“Mt. Olive Democrats and many townspeople overwhelmingly supported my candidacy through a write-in campaign,” shares Gayles. “The number of votes I received far surpassed what was needed and I was thrilled to receive the nomination to be the democratic candidate for mayor of Mt. Olive.”   

While Gayles’ expertise has been with the Mt. Olive Board of Education, in which he currently serves as BOE president and has been reelected to serve for the past nine years, the skillset he brings is a value add to town government.   

“As a three-term board member I understand the importance of collaboration, listening to the voices of the residents I represent and working with my fellow board members to create one of the most enviable school districts in northwest N.J.,” says Gayles. “I have managed multi-million-dollar budgets and facility upgrades for school districts, developed successful programs, and worked closely with families, business owners and community members throughout my career.  As your mayor, I will bring that same spirit of servant leadership, collaborative energy to Town Hall, with the understanding that the key to success is collaboration, possibility thinking and action!  

“Over the past nine years, I have demonstrated my commitment to fulfilling my oath and responsibilities as a Board of Education member with a high degree of professionalism, responsiveness, and integrity,” continues Gayles. “I do not overpromise, and to the extent that the law allows, I engage with community members regarding our schools and follow up with the administration to ensure that a solution has been reached.  I come prepared and ready to engage in the work at hand.”   

While his work on the BOE has been unaffiliated, Gayles is a registered Democrat and has been involved with Mt. Olive Democrats for the past four years. Along with his MO Democrats, he hosts a monthly food drive to support the local food pantries and the FreeEdge in the Clover Hill section of Flanders.  

“My current role is to support the initiatives and activities designed to improve the lives of our fellow residents, regardless of party affiliation,” he says. As mayor, he would continue on that same path.  

“Mt. Olive residents should have the confidence that regardless of political affiliation or ideology, their elected officials will work tirelessly on their behalf to address the issues that affect their quality of life, and that they will be included as integral partners in that process,” says Gayles. “I believe that regardless of political affiliation we all want what is best for Mt. Olive and the beauty of a democratic society is that we can share different points of view, discuss and debate ideas that lead to positive outcomes for our community.”   

Issues of Concern: “Residents who may be experiencing financial hardship, food and/or housing insecurity; the sparsity of multicultural activities or the cultural arts in many town-sponsored activities, for example, it took a couple of years, prior to COVID-19, of me advocating for Salsa in the Park, for it to finally happen in 2022.  And it was a huge success in bringing people from various backgrounds together.  Just think what else we can accomplish when we work together.”  

The third issue:  Over-development of Mt. Olive. “Every parcel of land is being developed that in turn is reducing natural habitats, bringing more traffic, and more accidents on our roadways,” he says.  

“In speaking to residents of the Hackettstown section of Mt. Olive and many of the 40% of our community living in the apartment complexes, they often feel disconnected from the town and are subject to landlords seeking excessive rent increases,” is his fourth concern.  

“Creating something for our young people to do,” is another concern. “There has been talk of revitalizing Budd Lake Beach, building a recreation center and creating a skate park.”   

And lastly, “infrastructure concerns, including clean drinking water and sidewalks to further connect our neighbors to the parks, shops and other community attractions.”  

To learn about concerns of other residents, Gayles is doing his homework.    

“My idea is to tap into the expertise and creativity of a broad spectrum of individuals across the township who can contribute to addressing today’s issues, while creating a plan for revitalization,” he explains.   

“As I’ve talked to residents throughout the town, my initial question “Is there something you think that local government can be paying a bit more attention to?” generated incredible engagement and dialog with residents who often feel marginalized because either they live on the fringe of town, or in one of the apartment complexes,” he says. “Some of the topics discussed were taxes, inclusion/diversity, open space vs. overdevelopment, Budd Lake Beach, Routes 46 and 206 traffic and safety, and road repair around the town.  The most recent issue shared with me is developing a plan to connect fire hydrants to water sources.”  

Gayles Lays Out His Platform.  

INFRASTRUCTURE REPAIRS NOW  

Sidewalk and road improvements have been critical public safety issues in Mt. Olive, and yet the plans are stalled or slow to progress. Moving talk into action is our top priority. We will push the state and county to install sidewalks near the high school, on Rt. 206 and Rt. 46, immediately reopen the sidewalk proposal and invest in fixing the roads before there are major potholes that are a danger to travelers.   

We all deserve clean drinking water. It’s been more than a year since Pinecrest Public Water system was found to have PFOS over the NJDEP limit and the problem has still not been resolved. This is unacceptable. We will address water quality with better communication, proactive testing, and treatment for contaminants for both public and private water sources.  

In addition, at least five communities in our town have fire hydrants that have not been connected to a water source since they were developed, some as long as 25 years.  

RENT STABILIZATION  

Everyone deserves safe, affordable housing.  We want families to be able to stay in the community they love.  Approximately 40% of Mt. Olive residents are renters and are dealing with tremendous affordability issues.  In addition to communication with landlords and business owners, I would look into the possibility and feasibility of a rent stabilization ordinance.  

REVITALIZE MOUNT OLIVE TO LOWER PROPERTY TAXES  

We know that rising property taxes in Mt. Olive and throughout New Jersey are a key issue for residents. Revitalizing Mt. Olive would not only give a boost to our town’s community but would lower property taxes by increasing business tax revenue. Through responsible development and economic development incentives, we can attract new and thriving businesses to Mt. Olive. 

TRANSPARENCY, ETHICS AND COMMUNICATION  

Our Mt. Olive town committees have not met in years, stifling the voices of the community and stagnating progress. We will make sure people’s voices are heard and the town council is held accountable. Communication should not be a one-way street. Mt. Olive is a vibrant, diverse community, and through inclusion and respect, we will bring the community together to move Mt. Olive forward.   

Proven Leader  

Through his years on the BOE, Gayles has had a positive impact in helping the MOSD move forward.  

“Mt. Olive Township Public Schools continue to experience tremendous success as a result of the leadership of the board and district administration,” says Gayles. “This year I have the honor to serve as the board president, galvanizing the board around the ideas of student success via a world class educational experience.  One of the board's important responsibilities is to hire the Superintendent.  Under my leadership as board president, Mt. Olive Twp Public Schools has hired a talented superintendent, and former alumna of the school district.     

“There is something for everyone at MOTSD, ranging from Marauder BELIEVE, Play Unified, theater arts, the school of rock, clubs and athletics,” he continues.  “Students in our school district also have access to high quality learning environments, with highly qualified teachers who inspire them to achieve new heights of success.  This is evidenced by the fact that student learning outcomes, post COVID, continue to climb and outpace NJ State averages.  For example, over a five-year period, the number of students who are taking AP courses, the number of AP exams taken, the number of students taking AP Research and achieving the Capstone Diploma are trending up.  We have solidified our partnership with NJIT's Real World Connection program, a computer science partnership that engages students in real world hands-on, minds-on experiential learning activities.”  

When he is not volunteering, Gayles works full time in various capacities.  

With a doctorate in education leadership from Seton Hall University in South Orange; a master’s in management of human services from Brandeis University in Massachusetts; and bachelor’s in political science concentrating in public policy from Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania, Gayles worked three years in the  financial markets industry before transitioning to work for non-profit organizations in Newark to  provide academic, social service and mentoring support for school-age children attending Newark Public Schools and their families.    

Since 1997, he has served in the State Department of Education, as a program improvement specialist, and as an assistant principal, principal and superintendent of schools in urban and suburban school communities. He was also an adjunct professor at Centenary University in Hackettstown, teaching graduate level communications and public relations to school leaders.    

In 2020, he launched an educational consulting company to provide professional development, coaching and motivational speaking services to community-based organizations.  

In April 2021, he was voted onto the Board of Trustee of Norwescap, the largest non-profit community action program that serves low-income population in Northwest N.J. by offering a comprehensive array of strategies, programs and services to create opportunities and change lives.  

In 2022, he joined the staff at the County College of Morris in Randolph as the program coordinator for College Readiness Now; on December 1, 2022, he became the interim executive director, and is now the executive director, of the Newark Educators Community Charter School, a position he currently holds.  

In April 2023, he was voted onto the Board of Trustees at David’s Shoes, a non-profit organization designed to teach young people about the impact gun violence has on their family members.   

“Along the way, I have received numerous awards and recognitions for educational excellence, community service, mentoring and leadership,” adds Gayles.  

As a family man, Gayles and his wife, Gwen, have five children: Donovan, 25; Victoria, 21; Caitlin, 21; Justin, 20; and Stephanie, 13.  

As a volunteer, he has found time to coach boys’ track and both boys‘ and girls’ basketball recreation programs; be an active member of Flanders United Methodist Church, where he helps at the thrift store; work with the Mt. Olive Recreation Department and passion to help to beautify Mt. Olive by cleaning up the White Trail entrance, Turkey Brook Park and Link Road.    

Why Vote For Gayles  

His slogan is G.O.T.V. “Get Out the Vote with me to the polls in 2023!  Gayles For Mayor!  

“As your neighbor, I understand the importance of maintaining the quality of life that makes our community special, while looking ahead to create what comes next,” he says. “I am forward-thinking and would be a strong advocate for the needs of every resident as your mayor.    

“I believe that Mt. Olive can be a hub of shopping, dining and exploration, the performing arts and cultural festivals for all residents to enjoy, not a pass-through town to Hackettstown,” he continues.  

 “I am running for mayor to make Mt.  Olive a more vibrant community that represents and reflects the rich gender, ethnic and religious mosaic that exists and assesses our infrastructure needs, all while being fiscally responsible with your tax dollars,” he says. “Most importantly, as your mayor, I will listen with empathy and ensure that every voice is heard.”  

He concludes, “casting a vote for me is your opportunity to change the narrative from “it won’t work” or “let’s wait and see what the other towns do” to “we can get it done.” I will listen, learn, and lead us towards progress in Northwest N.J. and throughout the state.”  

With half of the seats up for grabs on the Mt. Olive Township Council, four local residents are running as Democrats and if they win, the current all Republican board could represent a more bipartisan body. 

Irene Sergonis, Greg Winick and Victor Jacksier are running for a three-year term; and John Reiner is seeking to fill the one-year term in the upcoming General Election set for November 7. A contested race, they are vying against four Republican candidates, three who are incumbents of the governing body. 

The Mt. Olive Democrats mantra for this year’s election is: “Building Bridges for a Stronger Community.”  

They have four pillars in their platform: Infrastructure Repairs Now; Rent Stabilization; Revitalize Mt. Olive to Lower Property Taxes; and Transparency, Ethics and Communication. 

Infrastructure Repairs 

Sidewalk and road improvements have been critical public safety issues in Mt. Olive, and yet the plans are stalled or slow to progress. Moving talk into action is our top priority. We will push the state and county to install sidewalks near the high school, on Rt. 206 and Rt. 46, immediately reopen the sidewalk proposal and invest in fixing the roads before there are major potholes that are a danger to travelers.  

We all deserve clean drinking water. It’s been more than a year since Pinecrest Public Water system was found to have PFOS over the NJDEP limit and the problem has still not been resolved. This is unacceptable. We will address water quality with better communication, proactive testing, and treatment for contaminants for both public and private water sources. 

Rent Stabilization 

Everyone deserves safe, affordable housing. We want families to be able to stay in the community they love. Approximately 40% of our Mt. Olive residents are renters and are dealing with tremendous affordability issues. In addition to communication with landlords and business owners, we would immediately look into the possibility and feasibility of a rent control ordinance. 

Revitalize Mt. Olive to Lower Property Taxes 

We know that rising property taxes in Mt. Olive and throughout New Jersey are a key issue for residents. Revitalizing Mt. Olive would not only give a boost to our town’s community but would lower property taxes by increasing business tax revenue. Through responsible development and economic development incentives, we can attract new and thriving businesses to Mt. Olive. 

Transparency, Ethics and Communication 

Our Mt. Olive town committees have not met in years, stifling the voices of the community and stagnating progress. We will make sure people’s voices are heard and the town council is held accountable. Communication should not be a one-way street. Mt. Olive is a vibrant, diverse community, and through inclusion and respect, we will bring the community together to move Mt. Olive forward. 

Meet the Candidates 

When it comes to elections, musical chairs come to play, but instead of speed and agility to get to the seat first, the political race is really all about mindset, skill and ideas. Read about the Democratic candidates below and don’t forget to visit the polls next month as the election is just weeks away!      

Might as well let the lady go first.   

In her second run for a seat at the table, Irene Sergonis, 67, of Budd Lake, has been a strong voice for the local Democrats. 

A member of Mt. Olive Democrats since 2017 as a former treasurer and assistant chair, Sergonis stays up to date with issues concerning the township as a regular attendee at council meetings. She does not shy away when it comes to asking questions, raising concerns and offering solutions to multiple issues.  

“Happily retired” since 2021 from operating her small business with her husband and working full-time as a payroll coordinator for Ronetco Supermarkets, Sergonis has plenty of time to represent residents and work to make Mt. Olive the best place it can possibly be for people to live, work and raise a family.  

She decided in March 2023 to try again to get elected to the council. 

“I will be a full time, accessible councilwoman who will fight for YOU!” Sergonis stresses. “I would hold weekly office hours to be accessible. 

“I want to be a strong advocate for our environment and ALL the people of Mt. Olive.”   

As a resident for 43 years, Sergonis moved to town for its affordability and natural landscape.   

“We wanted a two-family house for our first home, and we were able to find one in Budd Lake that we could afford,” she explains.  “I enjoy the people and the Open Space.  I hike and maintain trails and clean up by our rivers and streams.”   

She and her husband Sergio, a retired electric motor repair shop owner, have raised three children who all attended Mt. Olive schools, and they are now enjoying their four grandchildren.  

Her children encouraged her involvement in many areas.  

“I was involved with Boy and Girl Scouts, I founded the Mt. Olive Volleyball Association, Mt. Olive Park Partners and school organizations,” she says.  “Presently, I am on Environmental Committee, Open Space Committee, MOMAC, Stigma Free, Friends of the Mt. Olive Public Library, Mt. Olive Senior Club, Literacy Volunteers of Morris County, Moms Demand Action, St Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Church, Mt. Olive FREEdge, I also attend classes and the Walking Club at the Senior Resource Center in Chester and Mt. Olive Exercise.”  

Her interests and experiences are driving her to implement new initiatives. 

“I would like to start and lead a Green Team to educate and empower our community for a sustainable Mt. Olive,” says Sergonis. “I grew up the oldest of five and my mother suffered from mental illness.  I experienced firsthand the stigma of mental illness and want a more active Stigma Free Committee.  I have also lost two nephews to drug overdose and want a more effective MOMAC.”   

Issues most concerning to her include “Living in a safe and welcoming community that values everyone, clean air and water, roads, affordability whether a homeowner or renter. 

“Many of our LGBTQ+ neighbors do not feel safe in our community,” says Sergonis. 

One councilmember “spread harmful, hurtful misinformation in his remarks from the dais on June 13-the very day the Pride Proclamation was read by Mayor Greenbaum,” she explains. The mayor and a local newspaper called upon him to resign, board members have not held him accountable, and he still refused to apologize, she says.  

“I was speaking with the dad of one of the young people who spoke up at the 6/27/23 meeting and he described how hurt his daughter was by those remarks from a town leader,” says Sergonis. “I was disappointed that our council did not see this negative event as an opportunity to educate and facilitate a meaningful community forum.  The people who spoke that day did not feel heard.”   

With some Democrats on the council, Sergonis hopes for more balance. 

“I believe they have become stagnant and do not seek public input,” says Sergonis.   

“I believe any negative event can be turned into a positive life lesson and am committed to transparency,” she says. “I know how harmful keeping secrets can be after my experience with a family member with mental illness.”   

With an associate in business administration from the County College of Morris in Randolph and dedicated volunteer work, Sergonis is ready to be your next civic leader. 

She has spent countless hours holding monthly food drives through the Mt. Olive Democrats, cleaning up trails as a Trail Steward, improving the town’s appearance through Adopt a Spot, help educate voters and volunteer for political campaigns.      

“I am a good listener and a team player,” says Sergonis. “I am curious and love to solve problems. I respect and appreciate all people.”   

Victor Jacksier, 60, is another candidate for Mt. Olive Twp. Council, whose  concerns mirror his running mate, Sergonis.  

His first run for office, Jacksier has lived in Flanders for the past 23 years with his wife Ina, and their two children.  

“My wife and I chose to move here because of the schools, activities in and around the town and easily accessible cultural opportunities,” he says. 

“One of the key reasons that we moved to Mt. Olive still stands —we have built many close friendships in our community; we are proud of our school system and are happy to be helping other students receive the quality of education and opportunities they received. With the location of Mt. Olive, we have access to many entertainment and cultural opportunities.” 

His focus has been with Scouting and his religious organization as president of his synagogue and men’s club, but since last year he decided to add to his plate by joining Mt. Olive Democrats just before the pandemic.  

“The Democrats are very inclusive, friendly and always look to focus on the PEOPLE of Mt. Olive,” he says. “I am active with the food drive, helping candidates running for office, injecting ideas, and supporting the people of Mt.  Olive. 

“I had been thinking about running since the last election, and looking at the current council and their opinions, I felt this is the time to bring in fresh voices and fresh ideas,” says Jacksier. 

“I am concerned the way the LGBTQ+ are being treated by some members of the town residents and some of the council,” he specifies. “Inclusivity: As a council, we need to be more inclusive of different ideas and lifestyles. The council needs to take a leadership role in making Mt. Olive inclusive for all. 

“Everyone has the right to have their own opinion, but when you are on the dais you speak for the town and not yourself,” he adds. 

“We need to open a sincere dialog with the LBGTQ+ residents to better understand what they need and how we can better help them to achieve acceptance in the community,” he suggests. 

His other concern is the traffic in the main corridors. 

“With the increasing traffic on Route 46 and 206, and the growing number of serious accidents, I am very concerned about road and pedestrian safety,” he says. “As traffic continues to grow accidents are getting more serious and I don’t see any movement to improve it.” 

Jacksier mentions the new WaWa being built on 206 being a concern by many.  

“It is already almost impossible to exit the Overlook apartments, and this will make it harder and more dangerous,” he says. “The high school is very close to the WaWa. The roads are windy with hidden curves and no sidewalks. We need to work to keep our children safe. 

“There are many areas where we need sidewalks,” he continues. “There was a study that was done with the town, county and state. The study has not been acted on and we need to keep our pedestrians safe. We need to bring the issue to the table with the county and state to push them to resolve our issues.” 

To improve transparency and communication, Jacksier says, “I would like to implement Town Hall meetings where the council can update the community on key topics as well as answering questions and listening to ideas from the attendees. 

Many people in the community have no idea what’s going on in the town.”  

Three Decade Leader 

Jacksier plans to use his experience and skill in his role as a civic leader.  

Working as a product manager for the past 30 years, Jacksier is a senior product manager for platform services, in which he manages the development and interactions for ecommerce, sales tools, and industry data for the office automation industry. He also was a group manager for a leading company in the insurance rating industry, and a project manager for Verizon working on the 5G technical development team. 

“With my experience as a community leader and a product and project manager, I feel that I can bring my people focused experience to the table and use my management and organization skills to help bring our ideas from inception to reality,” says Jacksier, who has an associate degree in digital electronic technology and a CNE from Novell networking. 

“I have spent my professional career in leadership roles,” he says. “With a strong understanding of communication and keeping my eye on the project scope I work to build a consensus between people with different visions.  Understanding that anything the council does affects the people of Mt. Olive. I bring the belief that talking with the residents is extremely important. I have always worked to deliver results in a timely manner on all my projects. I focus on understanding the problem, identifying potential solutions and work to build a consensus to move the project forward.” 

Jacksier is confident that he can help the council represent the community in a more effective way. 

“I am a people-oriented person who is very open to different beliefs and lifestyles,” says Jacksier. “I have spent my life helping others and am a strong proponent on communicating.” 

He shares his criticism of the current governing body.   

“I feel that they don’t communicate with the people that they represent before they decide to move forward with a project,” says Jacksier.  “The council is supposed to represent all people in Mt. Olive regardless of party, but there are no representatives of the Democratic party.  

“They have also failed to support different lifestyles and even spoke against them during council meetings,” continues Jacksier. “They need to focus more on the residents of the town. They always look from the eyes of businesses. Businesses are important, but our residents live in town and are the heart of the community and their needs should be addressed.” 

Jacksier’s Jargon 

“I am an individual who has spent my life working to help others and the less fortunate,” he says. “At this point in my life, I am in the position where I can focus more time and energy to drive this lifetime value forward.” 

When asked why voters should choose him for council, he says, “I am a long-time resident of Mt. Olive who understands the value of opening a dialogue with my constituents. I have the experience and drive to focus on this as a member of the town council. I want to focus on personal and community safety, so the people of Mt. Olive feel comfortable at home and on the road. Renters in Mt. Olive are in a very difficult position. As rents are increasing at a faster pace than the cost of living, I believe that we should investigate what it would take to stabilize rents for our residents. We need to determine if it makes sense to enact legislation to stabilize rents and what the costs to the community would be. 

“If elected I will be dedicated to work to bring in fresh ideas, keep costs down and make Mt. Olive a model community in Morris County,” he concludes. 

Gregory Winick, 58, of Flanders is also running for a three-year term in his first time seeking a public office. 

As a middle school English teacher for the past 20 years, Winick made a wise choice a year ago to move to Mt. Olive.  

“We love the schools, parks, neighborhood, and basically everything about the town,” says Winick.   

His wife, Christina, is also an educator working as an English teacher at Mt. Olive High School. They have four children with their first grandchild on its way.  

A member of the Mt. Olive Lions Club and Mt. Olive Democrats, Winick decided to run for political office. 

“I feel like there is a lack of Bi-Partisanship on the current council,” he says.  

“Improving infrastructure, education and adding a diversity of voices,” is the platform he stands on.” 

While he works as an educator, with a bachelor’s in English writing and a master’s in educational leadership and administration, Winick brings other skills to the table and perhaps with a little magic, can be the difference to promote positive change.  

“When I was young, I owned and operated six hot dog carts, a pizzeria, and two employment agencies,” shares Winick. “And yes, the rumors are true. I am also a professional magician and the author of five published books.”  

He continues, “In high school, I sold newspaper subscriptions for the Herald. During that time, I wound up knocking on almost every door in Northern New Jersey. I would run from door to door, so I could see more people than anyone else. And as a result, I would get more sales than anyone else. Having that experience taught me the benefits of being determined and persistent. This year, through knocking on doors as a candidate here in Mt. Olive, I learned a lot, and you know what? People from both sides of the aisle have the same concerns. People are struggling with the cost of food, housing, gas and groceries. People want to be able to go to work, make a living, and come home to the safe haven that is Mt. Olive. People are concerned about spots where frequent accidents occur or where better crosswalks should be set up. People want to be sure their water is safe to drink, and if there is a fire, they want the hydrants to all be connected and working. And by the way, I am not looking for the taxes to be raised one bit. I understand what it’s like to support a big family. My team has articulated a plan to make this town even better than it already is by giving a voice to those who are not represented on the current town council. 

“I strongly urge you to look over the ideas in our platform and let a fresh pair of eyes address our concerns,” he continues. As an English teacher, I use words —I realized a long time ago that there is nothing more powerful than our words themselves. I teach my students to honor their words by being a person who always does what they say they're going to do. I have always tried to be that kind of person. When we say what we want, we can get what we want, and I am here to represent the people of Mt. Olive by honoring my words with direct and immediate actions.” 

Concludes Winick, “I am energetic, honest and know how to gets things done.”  

The fourth candidate on the Democratic ticket is held by John Albert Reiner, 71. 

A resident of Flanders for the past 23 years with his wife Virginia and their two sons, Reiner is running for a one-year term.   

A Democrat his whole life, this is his first run for office. 

“This is my first involvement with the local Democrats,” says Reiner. “I’ve been more or less active with political movements through the years, but not with respect to local issues.” 

He found his calling last spring, while attending a Mt. Olive Democrat meeting.  

“My wife has been somewhat active in the local party, and I came along with her to a meeting,” explains Reiner. “When it was mentioned that we needed a candidate to fill out the ballot, I raised my hand. 

“I want to tilt the focus towards those who believe that local government should serve all the people, regardless of where or how they live,” he explains.  “Most especially, although I personally am a homeowner currently, I spent the first 30 years of my life as a renter, and I want to make sure that apartment dwellers have a spokesperson in local politics.” 

Rent stabilization is really his top concern. 

“Rent control is the first and only issue in my mind,” says Reiner. “The council is not interested in the issues and concerns of local renters. I will fight for rent control.” 

According to Reiner, “Rent’s going up by roughly 10%, faster than the rate of inflation. Passing rent control laws” would alleviate this issue. 

His platform is clear: “Reduce or eliminate the control of local politics by an elite Republican voting bloc.  Pass rent control laws.” 

Reiner says voters should elect him to the council “To bring fairness to all residents of Mt. Olive.” 

Career and Schooling 

With a bachelor’s from Bard College and a master’s from the University of Rochester in English literature, Reiner was an insurance product developer at numerous companies such as Crum & Forster, Chubb, ProSight and Everest until he retired in 2020. 

He moved to Flanders in 2000 from Maryland when he was hired by Chubb and Son, then in Warren, as a desirable place to hang his hat: “Peaceful, pleasant, quiet community still close to NYC,” he describes it best. 

“We will unite the Mt. Olive community by making sure all perspectives are heard and considered when making decisions that affect our quality of life,” the Mt. Olive Democrats share on their website. “It is important for us to balance resolutions to issues, so we build a stronger, safer and more affordable community. We can make that happen!” 

For more go to  https://votemountolive.com/

Paid for by Mt. Olive Democratic Committee

Those who attend the Mt. Olive Board of Education meetings or watch from their livestream, know that Karen Lynn Fiumara of Flanders is paying attention, asking questions and offering feedback when necessary. 

The 42-year-old mother shows her determination and passion in her second run to serve on the school board for a three-year term. She is vying against seven other candidates who are seeking to fill the three open seats in the upcoming November 7 General Election.  

Fiumara ran unsuccessfully in last year’s election for a three-year term but is trying again, determined even more to make a difference in the school district.  

“A few years ago, I started really paying attention to BOE meetings, attending regularly-not just when hot-button issues arose- but to the day-to-day decisions to better understand the roles and responsibilities of this massive machine,” explains Fiumara. “I realized there was a lot of misplaced anger in the community, but also watching the past couple of years unfold, I decided that I really want to be a part of the rebuilding of the district in this new path forward and continue to learn more about the institution that impacts my children and community. 

“I have also said that it is unfair of me to get up to the microphone and criticize any decision being made, if I am unwilling to be on the receiving end of the criticism, so I threw my hat in the ring,” she says. 

A resident of Flanders for the past 15 years, Fiumara and her husband Anthony have two sons with one at the high school and the other at the middle school.  

With a background in education, Fiumara has worked as a certified teacher in grades K-6 and teacher of students with disabilities in private and public schools, as well as a consultant home program coordinator and program support for various New Jersey public schools.  

“After changes in our family, we decided I would stay home to focus on raising our children,” she says.  

That did not stop her involvement at the schools nor interest in improving areas of concern.  

Since her children started at Tinc Road School, she has been a class parent and has volunteered at the kindergarten centers, library and art classroom, and has chaired many events for the PTO and served as vice president. She has also volunteered at MOMS events, was team manager for her son’s hockey team and sat on the board for a recreation hockey organization. 

Fiumara’s Platform  

“MOving Forward Together,” she responds. 

She raises valid points: Parent/Caregiver Involvement; Ease of Parent Management of Students; Rebuild Trust and Confidence; Community Awareness of District Happenings; Staff Support/Training; Curriculum Review; Fiscal Responsibility. 

There are improvements she would like to see within the school district.   

“I do believe that we NEED to pass the referendum,” she says. “There are upgrades that are necessary for the function of our programs and to meet the needs of the growing community. 

“When my older son started at Tinc, there were typically 17 kids in his class,” she shares. “By the 4th grade, there were 27.  When my younger son left Tinc last year, his class was mid-20s.  We are outgrowing our facilities.  At the middle school, there is no “common” space large enough that all grades can gather for assemblies or instruction.  Again, numbers are increasing, but space is not.  We need instructional space, and we need to maintain our buildings. 

“I really want to see the community rebuild trust in the board and administration and have confidence in the decisions being made- hopefully an indirect consequence of that will be bridging the divide that has widened on certain issues over the past couple of years within the district,” she adds. 

“I would like to see an outside operational audit done to address the efficacy and efficiency of our programs and finances,” she continues. “It is important to me that we listen to our teachers and staff, and meet their needs, which directly impacts the success of our children.”   

Mending relationships will help move the district forward, she contends. 

“I genuinely believe the greatest challenge we face now is a lack of trust within the community of the district happenings/decisions/spending, which is even more vulnerable at a time with political topics causing an already divided community to grow further apart,” she says. “It is critical that relationships be mended, and confidence restored, so that we can move forward united.” 

She offers some ideas on how to address those concerns.  

“There have been some measures suggested and implemented, just a bit inconsistently, to rebuild trust,” she says. “I believe the more the board and district work transparently, and in a user-friendly way, the more residents/parents will support decisions without hesitation. 

“Together with another parent last year, we put together a proposal for a Community Committee to bridge the communication between the board and community —including committee reports in agendas, a live chat option for meetings or a collection of questions ahead of meetings, a committee of approved parents/residents to collect concerns and report to the board/administration,” she shares. “I hope that committee is revisited and supported consistently.  Moving forward, under new leadership, I hope we can get back to the business of educating children and uniting in that endeavor.” 

With a bachelor’s from SUNY New Paltz and post-bachelor’s certificate from William Paterson University, Fiumara would use her smarts to help move the district forward.  

“I have a background in education, specifically special education,” she notes. “I have also proven my commitment to the district by regularly attending meetings for years to gain further knowledge.” 

She cares about the town she has come to admire and has only good intentions in mind.   

“MOTSD has extraordinary faculty and staff,” she says. “We are fortunate to have wonderful people that love our children and have remained committed and stead-fast through the raging storm the past couple of years, and were pillars well before that.  I admire the PEOPLE that hold our district together.  They are the foundation of all the positive opportunities available to and achievements met by our children.  I am “impressed” by many things, but at the core- I’m most moved by the employees.” 

As far as property taxes, she offers her suggestions.  

“I know our property taxes have remained pretty steady for the past several years and I give a lot of credit to our municipality for that, but I also recognize that any increases have an impact on residents, and they deserve to be a part of the approval of spending,” she shares. “Schools cost a lot to run, and our district is growing, so it’s expected that costs will increase.  I believe the simple answer is to create a hierarchy of priorities and meet the needs of the top priorities before spending slides down the list.  I continue to advocate for an outside operational audit to look at our overall financial and program efficiency and efficacy.  I think we need to balance the value of investments between the residents that see the immediate reward —those with children IN the district —and the value to the residents that have graduated children or no children. 

“The burden of supporting schools doesn’t fall only on parents/guardians, but the responsibility to represent ALL residents does fall on the board,” she continues.   “I also encourage ALL residents to attend or watch the public meetings and to not be afraid to speak up- it is not just a forum for parents to discuss their concerns.” 

Why should Mt. Olive voters elect Karen Fiumara?  

“I am committed to learning and growing with the district, to being willing to listen to all sides of situations because we are all speaking for our children and deserve to be heard, and I want to see the district heal and prosper,” says Fiumara. “I have had children in the schools for 11 years so far and have seven ahead —I’ve been happy for some of those years, concerned for some, but I am always hopeful for what’s to come and I would like to be a part of MOving Foward Together. 

Email FiumaraForBOE@gmail.com or find her on Facebook at FIUMARA #7 for MO BOE. 

“There are EIGHT candidates running for THREE positions,” she stresses. “I am so happy to see so many people running- it shows people are paying attention and want to be involved.  No matter who you vote for, PLEASE just Vote and let your voice be represented on the board.” 

When it comes to building trust in the Mt. Olive schools and improving communication, BethAnn Figueira has got it figured out. 

A mother of two elementary school kids who attend Mountain View Elementary School, Figueira of Flanders is running on a platform with Jeannie O'Neill and Marc Orzillo for a seat on the Mt. Olive School District Board of Education. There are three seats open that carry a three-year term and eight people are running. 

“Our campaign slogan is Honesty and Integrity because our hope is to restore that to our board,” says Figueira. “I want to help rebuild trust in our schools, improve communication, and ensure our school board is always accountable to the community. “My hope is to rebuild the community's trust and confidence in our school board and to ensure fiscal responsibility,” she says. “I believe that parents always have a right to know when it comes to their children and ensuring the best possible education for our children is the primary focus.” 

A New Jersey public school teacher for the past 25 years working in Somerset County, Figueira plans to bring her smarts and experience as an educator. Also living in Flanders for the past 21 years and a parent of a fourth grader and a second grader, she knows what the issues are and where improvement is warranted. 

“I have a vested interest in our schools,” she says.   

“I bring the perspectives of both a parent and an educator to the board,” says Figueira. I come with a vast educational background as I have my M.A. Ed. +45 (Masters of Arts in education) from Seton Hall University. I was a recipient of the N.J. Governor's Teacher of the Year award in 2002.”  

Outside of parenting and working, Figueira volunteers as a Girl Scout leader for Brownie Troop 98285, an advisor for the Mt Olive Jr. Marauders Flag cheer squad, a member of the Rec. Dept. Advisory Committee and town's Referendum Committee.  

“My husband, Carlos, is very supportive of all of my volunteer efforts thank goodness because I couldn't balance all of this without him,” she says.  

Her first time running for BOE, she says “I thrive on giving back to my community.” 

One of the hottest topics is the upcoming referendum and Figueira justifies why she favors the projects. 

“All of our schools, except for Tinc, need new roofs as the current roofs are out of warranty,” she says. “The roofing costs alone are $16.5 million. The state is offering us $11.1 million assuming we vote yes. If our voters do not pass this referendum, the state pays nothing and we, the taxpayers, assume the entire cost ourselves because the proposed projects are all very much needed. 

“People move to our town for our school system,” she continues. “We don't have land to build another school, so we must maintain the ones that we have. We have not had a referendum here in 20 years and we need to be prepared for the large influx of students we are projected to receive in the next three to five years. Those who don't have children in our schools are also encouraged to vote yes because our school system drives the values of our homes.”  

Her platform for her campaign is on her Facebook page:  

https://www.facebook.com/groups/vote4moboe/?ref=share

Log in or sign up to viewSee posts, photos and more on Facebook.www.facebook.com. 

She and her running mates have a meet and greet scheduled at Jersey Girl Brewery on October 25, “For anyone who wants to come out and meet us or ask questions.”