4 seeking nomination for Hardyston council seat

FRANK CICERALE

Why are you running for Hardyston council?

I am running for reelection to the Town Council to ensure our community continues to benefit from steady, experienced leadership. We have built incredible momentum in recent years, and I am committed to seeing our current projects through to completion. My goal is simple: to keep our town a premier place to live, work, and retire by providing the fiscal discipline and common-sense representation you deserve.

What are the top three things you aim to accomplish if elected?

If reelected, my focus will remain on the long-term health of our town through these three initiatives:

Fiscal Integrity: I will continue to fight for balanced budgets and tax stability, ensuring that your hard-earned tax dollars are managed with transparency and efficiency.

Infrastructure & Safety: My priority is a robust capital plan to modernize our roads, improve drainage, and ensure our first responders have the tools they need to keep our neighborhoods safe.

Preserving Community Character: I support smart, localized growth that revitalizes our town center while strictly protecting the quiet residential charm of our neighborhoods.

Briefly explain why you are the best candidate for this position

With over 30 years in town government, I offer more than just a vote—I offer a deep understanding of how to get things done.

No Learning Curve: I understand the complexities of our local ordinances and state regulations. I am ready to work for you on day one, without the need for on-the-job training.

Effective Advocacy: Decades of service have allowed me to build the county and state relationships necessary to secure grants and resources for our town.

A Proven Record: I have guided this community through economic shifts and local challenges with a calm, consistent hand. You can trust that my decisions are rooted in three decades of proven dedication.

BRIAN KAMINSKI

Why are you running for Hardyston council?

Experience matters when it comes to protecting the interests of our community and continuing the progress we have made together over the 9 years of my Council Service. My service started about 24 years ago being elected to my homeowner’s board. Then, I was appointed to the Hardyston Planning Board and became the Board Chairman, now with 20 years of service.

What are the top three things you aim to accomplish if elected

Continue to produce accomplishments, NOT promises.

Conservative Governance: Continue governing with Hardyston Township values of prioritizing safety, maintaining the lowest county municipal tax rate without cuts in service, and enhancing community facilities and events. Transparency and accessibility are practiced daily in our government as township meetings are always open to the public, live streamed and recorded so residents stay informed and engaged. Yearly budgets are reviewed line by line. Wants are removed while needs remain.

Safety First: Continue to support First Responders year after year is paramount. This is accomplished by doubling our EMT ambulance service at no additional costs to the taxpayers. Our Firefighters and Police always receive the training and equipment they need. Our yearly budget includes police interceptors. Also, a Ladder Truck and Command vehicle are on order and OEM communications are being upgraded.

Innovative Development: Cascades Lodge at Crystal Springs provides the township with an occupancy tax to help off-set our property taxes. Therefore, a new hotel is being considered.

In process is a Solar Farm on top of the old Hardyston dump which will generate lease revenue each year to off-set property taxes as well. Our Wheatsworth Fields upgrades will feature a modern children’s playground, adult exercise area and a new Community/Senior Center.

Briefly explain why you are the best candidate for this position

Hardyston taxpayer for 24 years. Educated as an architect at Syracuse University and helped guide Hardyston over the last 9 years. Endorsed by the full Hardyston Council, Hardyston Republican Committee Members, Hardyston Republican Club and the Sussex County GOP Chairman and Treasurer. Service to our Township and residents has always been my focus and I will continue this under my leadership. Thank you for your support as I would be honored to continue to serve as your councilman.

CHRISTINE ROBIN MAROTTA

Why are you running for Hardyston council?

Myself and John Sheldon are running for Hardyston Township Council because we believe it is time for change. As members of the council we will use our experience to foster an environment where everyone in our town is heard and represented. As a lifelong Sussex County resident, I have a vested interest in seeing our town succeed, I am raising my daughter here in Hardyston, and want to live in a town that is as affordable as possible. I do not plan on leaving Hardyston or Sussex County. We want to protect Hardyston from potential fiscal mismanagement, and ensure that the right decisions are being made for the right reasons. Additionally, we want to make sure that the town is a good steward of our facilities, roads, and park.

What are the top three things you aim to accomplish if elected?

If elected, I plan to:

Promote fiscal responsibility: As a member of the council I would have significant authority over how the budget is written, what is written into it and how much taxes the town levies, with the growing cost of living I will work to write and pass budgets that keep taxes as stable as possible. We can do this by carefully scrutinizing line items in the budget, as well as continuing and expanding our shared service agreements.

Support our first responders: Our first responders are the people who keep us safe, whether it be our volunteer firefighters, police officers, or EMS I will ensure the town gives them the tools they need to keep our community safe.

Decreasing the size of government: As a member of the council, I will ensure that ordinances and regulations are in the best interest of the community and I will ensure that Hardyston is a town where the government reduces its footprint.

Briefly explain why you are the best candidate for this position.

I am the best candidate for this position because I am in this race for Hardyston. My conservative values are strong, and they will be my guiding light as I serve the community. I am a lifelong Sussex County resident. I was born in Newton, and graduated from High Point in 1987. I am a proud mom of two, and I have been married to my husband Kyle since 2019. I am a former small business owner, operating two small businesses in Sussex County from the late 80s until 2004 when I had my first child. I am currently serving on the Hardyston BoE, where I have a staunchly conservative voting record, I serve on the curriculum committee.

JOHN SHELDON

Why are you running for Hardyston council?

I am running for Hardyston Council because I care deeply about our community and want to ensure it remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family. As someone who is from this area and a graduate of Wallkill Valley Regional High School, I have a personal connection to Hardyston and a strong interest in its future. Our township faces real challenges, including managing growth, keeping taxes under control, and maintaining the quality of our infrastructure and services. I believe we need practical, responsive leadership that listens to residents and puts their needs first.

What are the top three things you aim to accomplish if elected?

If elected, my top three priorities are: first, maintaining fiscal responsibility by controlling spending and protecting taxpayers while still delivering essential services. Second, guiding responsible development that supports our local economy without overburdening our roads, schools, and environment. Third, improving transparency and communication so residents are better informed and have a stronger voice in decisions that affect their daily lives.

Briefly explain why you are the best candidate for this position.

I believe I am the best candidate for this position because of my background in advocacy, problem-solving, and service. As a Marketing Representative with SMART Local 22, I work every day to represent working people, negotiate solutions, and bring different perspectives together. In addition, my military service instilled in me a strong sense of discipline, accountability, and commitment to something greater than myself — values I will bring to public office.

I am running to serve, not for personal gain, but to give back to the community I am proud to call home. I will approach this role with integrity, a strong work ethic, and a focus on delivering real results for the residents of Hardyston.