By Cheryl Conway
Registered voters in Mt. Olive will get to choose between six candidates for Mt. Olive Township Council when they go to the polls for the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Three democrats are vying for a seat on the local governing body and they are running against three republicans who seek re-election. Since this is a general election, voters can vote for either democrats or republicans no matter their affiliation, meaning it does not matter whether one is registered as democrat or a republican.
With that said, it is important to get to know these new candidates in order to choose the best representatives when visiting the voting booths in two months. Mt. Olive Online will be featuring each of these new candidates so read all about them here in the next upcoming issues.
Democrats running for Mt. Olive Twp. Council include Irene Sergonis, Lloyd Deans and Raj Singh. They will face off against Republican incumbents Colleen Labow, Joe Nicastro and Alex Roman.
‘Lady First’
Since Irene Sergonis of Budd Lake was the first to announce her run for council this past March, and she is the only female democrat running, Mt. Olive Online stuck with proper etiquette, “ladies first.”
Why did you decide to run for council?
“I became a Mt. Olive Democratic Committee Member in 2017 because I felt that apathy and the corrupting influence of big money threatened our democracy and the middle class,” says Sergonis. “I was involved in choosing Tom Malinowski as the Democratic candidate for House of Representatives and I worked hard in the 2018 election to send him to Washington. When I wore my “Vote- Your Voice Matters” t-shirt while reaching out to voters, many of the people I met would smile sadly and say, “I don’t think that’s true anymore.” I spoke with people from every district in Mt. Olive and learned that many people felt that their voices were not being heard or respected at both the local and national level. My children were visiting for my birthday in February 2019 and convinced me that I should be the one to run for local office this year to address the environmental and tax issues that threatened the future of my grandchildren.”
What strengths do you bring to the township council?
“My experience as a small business owner and in the payroll department of Ronetco Supermarkets has taught me about good financial and personnel practices,” says Sergonis.
“I have an open mind and listen to everyone respectfully,” she adds. “I work to improve upon my skills by participating in programs such as the Better Angels Organization and Bring it to the Table workshops.
“I love to research and learn about a variety of topics which is the reason I went to CCM when my youngest went to college,” she continues. “I received an associate’s degree in Business Administration with a 4.0 GPA while working two jobs.
“I learned the most as the mother of three children who have become successful, hardworking adults,” Sergonis says. “My husband and I taught them to work for the things they wanted and that sacrifices in the present were necessary for a good future. I believe that good governing is a lot like good parenting and would ask questions before spending a dime of taxpayer money.”
What issues concern you the most in Mt. Olive Twp.?
“Environment, Taxes, Transparency, Checks & Balances, Business, Infrastructure, Better representation for renters,” answers Sergonis.
What ideas or solutions do you have to resolve or improve those concerns?
“We have detailed plans on our website at VoteMountOlive.com,” says Sergonis.
In regards to the environment, Sergonis explains: “Environmental Education & Awareness is an essential first step to preserving the quality of our environment and to do our part to fight climate change. We would involve the newly formed Mt. Olive Community Fellowship Program in an initiative to educate and motivate our community.”
With her concern regarding taxes, Sergonis says, “Oversight and Accountability to reduce taxes. I don’t believe enough questions are being asked and that big-ticket items like the Splashpad should be submitted for referendum. Our priorities should be infrastructure and road maintenance.”
Sergonis points to an article in the Mt. Olive Chronicle: “See Chronicle article regarding splashpad to see how close to a million dollars has been spent on a Splashpad; https://www.newjerseyhills.com/mt_olive_chronicle/news/costs-for-mount-olive-splash-pad-soar-beyond-initial-estimates/article_848efd25-20f8-5187-a53c-aab69251e93e.html.”
In terms of transparency, Sergonis suggests, “Live streaming for the Town Council and Planning Board Meetings. Mt. Olive currently has a YouTube channel but the meetings are not published in a timely manner. For example, The March 5, 2019 meeting was uploaded on August 1, 2019 along with many other videos. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDPskAAaR6AQwZHMBaE-RrQ.
“Improving our infrastructure and reducing taxes will help to attract business to Mt. Olive,” continues Sergonis. “We should expand upon the programs currently in place to attract business and streamline the process for new businesses. Actively attracting Green jobs and working with the Robotics Program at the High School are avenues to explore.”
Sergonis also shares her concerns to those who rent in Mt. Olive.
“We learned from the large percentage of people living in rental communities that they need a seat at the table,” says Sergonis. “We would like to explore the ideas of forming a Renters Committee or appointing an Ombudsman to give renters a voice in our local government.”
Why should residents vote for Irene Sergonis?
“The team of Lloyd Deans, Raj Singh and Irene Sergonis would challenge and assist Mayor Greenbaum and the council to be better leaders,” responds Sergonis. “Diversity, challenge and accountability help everyone to grow and improve.”
This quote from the website sums it up:
“Our Democracy was built on a system of checks and balances to ensure a just and fair government. A local government ruled by only one party is at risk of making mistakes and promoting improper behavior. The bulk of the township’s 31-million-dollar annual budget is funded by taxpayers. The taxpayers should have a say in where the money goes and be confident that every cent is accounted for and that the programs being funded are run efficiently. Lloyd Deans, Irene Sergonis and Raj Singh will work for transparency, accountability and balance to better serve the people of Mt. Olive.”
Is there anything you would like to add?
“I am truly blessed to have two qualified and capable running mates and look forward to working with Lloyd Deans and Raj Singh to bring about positive change in Mt. Olive,” she says.
Are there any events coming up to get individuals involved to help with the campaign?
“Our website is VoteMountOlive.com. Sign up to volunteer or be added to our contact list. We have a variety of ways to get involved and deeply appreciate any time, treasure or talent our supporters are able to give.”
More on Sergonis
A resident since 1980, 62-year old Sergonis has been involved with Mt. Olive Democrats since it was rejuvenated in May 2017. She currently serves as a committee member for District 13 and attends Mt. Olive Twp. Council meetings to raise concerns that are brought to her attention by her community, she explains.
A grandmother of three, Sergonis and her husband Sergio, raised three kids in town, Angela, Rita and Michael. Through their interests, she became involved in Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and was instrumental in starting the local volleyball program- Mt. Olive Volleyball Association-in April 2000, which she ran for 10 years through Mt. Olive Recreation.
Sergonis works full time in the payroll human resources department for Ronetco Supermarkets.
When she had first moved to town 39 years ago, Sergonis had voiced her concerns to get a landfill closed and designated as a Superfund site between 1980 and 1983.
Through Mt. Olive Park Partners from 2002-2009, Sergonis served as secretary and treasurer and helped raise money to develop Turkey Brook Park.
Outside of Mt. Olive, Sergonis is a member of the St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church in Randolph in which she has served as a Sunday School teacher, volunteer for Greek festival, and member of the Women’s Group which provides philanthropic outreach to those less fortunate; and visits Faith Kitchen at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Dover to help feed hot meals to 70-100 people every fourth Saturday of the month.
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