January 8, 1998 Hawthorne Press Atie And Birch Begin Another Term On Prospect Park Council Atie and Birch begin another Prospect Park Council held its reorganization meeting on January 1 as Council Members Jay Birch and Antoinette Atie continued with new terms on the governing body. Atie was sworn in by Senator John A. Girgenti and Birch, by Passaic County Freeholder Walter Porter. Mayor Al Marchitto reflected on three of the four years of his term saying, "There is so much to be done with so little resources. While our need for additional services and equipment keeps steadily increasing, our revenues either diminish or, at best, remain level. Consequently any shortfall in revenues must be made up by none other than the property taxpayer." The mayor said he has been encouraged by the progress the municipality has made and "by the complete change of attitude from negative to complimentary remarks ... by both residents and non-residents." Among the 1997 accomplishments were the new municipal parking lot, improvements to Hofstra Park, the $400,000 state grant for construction of a senior citizen center, the reconstruction of Struyk Avenue and obtaining state funds for the first phase of Brown Avenue's reconstruction. This public works project tops the list for 1998 along with procurement of a new ambulance, improving the telephone system, updating the master plan and tax map, establishing a centennial committee and cooperating with local school officials to obtain the necessary funds for school expansion. Atie leads council Atie was elected council president by her colleagues and the following officials were re-appointed: Gordon Meyer, borough attorney; Lerch, Vinci and Higgins, borough auditor; Lan Associates, borough engineer; Kenneth Valt, DPW supervisor; Louis Fusillo, plumbing inspector; Garden State Electric, electrical inspector; Shirley Rumore, deputy court clerk; Fred De Ruiter, alarm supervisor; Rose Farrell. tax assessor, William Monaghan, prosecutor; Peter Flaker, fire subcode official; David Bruins, public defender; Rosalie Tebbs, chief financial officer; Anne Aupperlee, registrar of vital statistics; Ed Vander Ploeg, emergency management coordinator and Dennis Lonagan, chief of fire safety prevention bureau. February 26, 1998 Hawthorne Press Two Democrats facing Primary Fight For Prospect Park Mayor There's never been a Democratic mayor in the 97 years that Prospect Park has been a municipality. Unlike some elections when there hasn't even been a candidate to represent the minority party, this year, the Prospect Park Democrats have two councilmen seeking the nomination. Councilman Tom Magura and Councilman Will Kubofcik may face off in the June Primary to see who will represent the Democrats on the ticket in November. Republicans are also hinting at a Primary fight for the post currently held by Mayor Al Marchitto but no one from this party has yet announced his/her intentions. Magura, 55, was selected by the borough's Democratic organization. Six senior members of the group made up the screening committee. Kubofcik, 31, who was also screened by the committee but not selected, has announced his intention to begin raising funds with a cocktail party on March 21. For Magura, this election will be his fourth try as mayor. In the 1970's he lost to the late Mayor John Trommelen by 18 votes. He made a second bid against Mayor Nick De Graaf and a third try in 1994, when he replaced the late Nick Massero, Democratic leader on the ticket. Both councilmen were elected to the council in 1996 as part of a county Democratic sweep. Kubofcik was previously elected to an unexpired one- year term in 1989 but lost his re-election bid. "In my 15 years of experience as a leader in the local Democratic party," said Magura, "I've never seen a Primary fight that's done any good." Noting that he has more experience than Kubofcik, Magura says the younger councilman "has overestimated his capabilities. The old-time Democrats are supporting me." Kubofcik counters that since he's served on the council longer than Magura, he is the senior elected official of that party. "I believe I'm the most qualified," said Kubofcik, "because I have more experience in the council." The younger councilman also says he has traditionally garnered more votes than other Democratic candidates. "I've proven I can muster more support," said Kubofcik. Magura considers Kubofcik "a future candidate for mayor" and says his opponent needs to improve his attendance record before taking on the formidable task of running for mayor. Kubofcik says in his first year as councilman, he donated his entire salary to the installation of a playground at Hofstra Park. Stressing his "can do" attitude, he re-estabtished the then - defunct food surplus program for seniors and persons on fixed incomes. Among the accomplishments Magura cites are issues he raised which were implemented by Republicans: establishing a curfew and getting tough on absentee landlords. Both have similar campaign platforms. Magura calls his the four R's: revitalizalion, ratables, recreation and regionalization. Kubofcik's campaign platform is fiscal responsibility, stabilization of declining property values by cracking down on absentee landlords and programs for youth and the elderly. April 9, 1998 HAWTHORNE PRESS Prospect Park council nixes full-time post for fire official The Prospect Park Council won't increase Fire Prevention Official Dennis Lonagan's position to full-time despite urgings from some residents to expand the position. The decision was made in executive session following the March 30th council meeting when the governing body reached a consensus. The next day, Mayor Al Marchitto sent a letter to Lonagan telling him the post will remain part-time. Lonagan had made a request for full-time work at a November 1997 worksession of the council. The basis for his request is that he's already working about 35 hours a week and needs more time to do his job effectively. "This is a life saving Job," said Housing Official Dave Heerema, addressing the council. "Between the building department and the fire prevention bureau, we can make this a better place to live." When Councilman Will Kubofcik asked Heerema if he could take on the fire prevention duties, the official responded "Definitely not." Former Fire Chief William Smith, one of the fire inspectors, said the fire prevention bureau works hand-in-hand with the fire department to provide information about potential problems and violations. "One of the most important aspects of firefighting is safety. This is where the importance of prevention comes into play." said Smith. Fire Chief Hans Emker and firefighter Paul Scalzitti both said Lonagan's initiative had prevented loss of life and property in the borough. School Board President Al Demarest also endorsed the concept of a full time position while borough resident James Fenzline spoke against it. Lonagan said he was disappointed by the council's decision and says he is seeking full-time employment. The current post calls for 20 hours a month at an annual salary of $4000. The fire official previously held a full-time Job but gave it up 13 months ago because he had been assured that this position would be made full-time. Since taking over as fire official four years ago. Lonagan has registered each of the municipality's businesses (about 50 establishments); all three and four family homes; has made thorough inspections in each of the three elementary schools and has been responsible for smoke detector compliance upon the sale of each house. Marchitto declined to give any reasons for the council's decision. "It will remain part-time and that's it," he said. Other sources have told The Press that some elected officials have received complaints about the vigilance Lonagan displays in enforcement. October 29, 1998 Hawthorne Press Outcome of mayor's race will be a first for Prospect Park Whatever the outcome in Tuesday's mayoral election - the result will be a first for Prospect Park. If the Republican candidate Antoinette Atie wins, she'll be the first female mayor in the borough's 98 year history. If William Kubofcik wins, he'll be the first Democratic mayor in borough history. Both are council members. Atie, now in her third term, is council president. Kubofcik previously served an unexpired term and is now in his first full term. The two have similar platforms. Kubofcik, with running mates Councilman Khalil Kasht and council candidate Len Lembo, has adopted the slogan, "Faith, Family, Future." Atie's team includes Councilman Waeil Dashoka and council candidate Joe Bridge. Their theme is "dedication, recreation, beautification and education." "I believe I have the experience," says Kubofcik, who worked as a senior account executive for UPS responsible for $12 million in accounts. He interned as a senior planning assistant for the City of Paterson; worked with the Newark Chamber of Commerce lobbying for housing and urban development and was a governmental liaison for United Way of Passaic County on issues pertaining to homelessness, child care and substance abuse. He is currently a marketing consultant for RD Systems in Clifton. The diversity of his background can be valuable to the borough, he says. "I have the energy to bring a new vision and enthusiasm to Prospect Park." Atie's experience is as a foreign language teacher and previously owned a deli in Paterson. She now subcontracts a janitorial cleaning service. "I'll be a full time mayor," said Atie who pledges to devote one day a week to meeting with residents. The councilwoman says she speaks Spanish and Arabic and can communicate with every ethnic group. The councilwoman maintains that she'll be a better liaison with state and county officials, pointing to communication that she's already had with legislators to seek state funding for the proposed school expansion. Kubofcik made contact with Congressman Bill Pascrell, who toured North 8th Street this summer and offered advice to local merchants on small business development. Both candidates see the need for business revitalization and beautification of the community. Atie says she has joined the Paterson Rotary Club which will provide contacts for new businesses to come in when others leave. Kubofcik proposes creating a business development committee that will help local businesses advertise their services and work together for local promotions. On the beautification of North 8th Street, Atie points to a $5000 grant she was instrumental in obtaining through Assemblywoman Nellie Pou. The councilwoman said 24 trees will be planted at a cost of $4800. Kubofcik is sponsoring a litter-free essay contest to raise awareness among school children. Both support the community policing initiative instituted by the local department. Kubofcik praised the re-institution of the Crime Watch. "We need to attract homeowners who want to stay here." he said. Besides the police officers' "park and walk," Atie thinks the mayor and local enforcement officials should walk the streets to get a sense of what's happening. On quality of life issues, Kubofcik proposes holding more family-oriented events like the block party and the picnic at Hofstra Park. Since the borough has no library, he proposes making this service available at Manchester Regional High School. To expand the recreation program, he suggests negotiating a program for swimming facilities and reaching out to the Haledon PAL or other recreational groups to expand their programs to Prospect Park. On recreation, Atie says state funding has been obtained to enhance the facilities at Hofstra Park. The GOP proposes improving the baseball and basketball facilities and bathrooms and concession stand. The GOP team wants to establish a recycling center at the municipal garage and to extend twice-a-week trash collection until October. To cut spending, each side proposes sharing services and purchases of big ticket items with neighboring municipalities. Both propose eliminating the expense of a grant consultant. Kubofcik says hehas the experience to write grants for the community. Atie says she would seek assistance from departments in the City of Paterson that could help with these applications. November 11, 1998 Shopper News Dem in mayor's seat for first time in PP's history By Albert Stampone PROSPECT PARK - The election was supposed to be noteworthy for its history-making outcome, not its post-outcome declarations of alleged innovative wrongdoing. In spite of accusations of dirty tactics on both sides in January, William Kubofik will become the first Democratic mayor in Prospect Park's 97 years after his defeat of Republican Councilwoman Antoinette Atie, who would have become the borough's first female mayor had she won. But there was more for the Democrats to cheer about besides Kubofcik's 167-vote margin of victory. Both Democratic council candidates, incumbent Khalil Kasht and newcomer Leonard Lembo were victorious as well, providing the Democrats with a municipal government sweep. Kasht and Lembo defeated Republican incumbent Waeil Dashoka and Joseph Bridge and in the process, the Democrats wrested control of the council away from the GOP by a count of 4-2. Atie meanwhile claimed that a combination of tactics by the PTA, her own church, the Board of Education as well as "unpro- fessional campaigning and unprofessional behavior" by Kubofcik cost her the election. "I didn't lose the election," said Atie, who will remain on the board for two more years. "The whole town lost. They lost a full-time mayor. Prospect Park is now going to face the worst administration in its history." Among her complaints was that she was "trashed left and right by ugly campaign fliers." Another charge included the availability of voter registration forms in a Catholic church in town. "Politics and church don't mix, ever," she said. Atie also claimed that residents from other towns actually managed to vote in Prospect Park, and vote for Kubofcik. "I could give you 10 names that I'm aware of right now," she said. "Ten to 15 votes wouldn't have made me lose the election, but it's the principle. It wasn't clean." Then there was the PTA bake sale, conducted by pro-Kubofcik persons, which she said took place next to voting booths in the first, second, third and fourth districts on Election Day. She also claimed letters were sent to parents in town by members of the Board of Education urging them to vote for Kubofcik. "What I've seen this year, I've never seen before," continued Atie. "It's not fair what happened. But I remain as a lady. I lost with dignity and pride." Asked if she would seek a formal investigation, Atie said she would have to think about it. "I'm not trying to make any enemies, but things were done unprofessionally." For his part, Kubofcik said he had collected his own list of grievances against Atie which have been documented and filed with the borough clerk and the Board of Elections "as a matter of record" only. Kubofcik said he didn't plan on pursuing the matter any further. "Both sides can make accusations" Kubofcik said. "At this point we have to work together, The election was a decisive statement by the residents. If she wants to focus that way then that's fine. "I think it's great to be the first Democratic mayor in Prospect Park," he continued. He credited his team of volunteers, which he said represented a cross-section of this ethnically diverse town, and the fact that he articulated his issues to residents as the main reasons he won. "But it's all about the issues We have multiple things we want to accomplish. It isn't about being a Democrat or a Republican. It's about having a vision and a sense of pride." Kubofcik said his first order of business when he's sworn in will be to set up an economic development committee to assist the businesses in town and negotiate an agreement with the nearby Haledon P.A.L to have a centralized meeting place for Prospect Park's children. 
picture by Allan Ackerman, Hawthorne Press December 5, 1998 Herald & News Ex-Candidate Asking Court To Look Into Mayoral Vote By Donna Mitchell Capping weeks of steadfast claims that the Nov. 3 mayoral election was tinged with fraud, Prospect Park Council President Antoinette Atie has filed a complaint in state Superior Court. Atie said if the court finds that Mayor-elect William Kubofcik's campaign committed wrongdoing, then she wants a new election. Atie lost the election to Kubofcik. Filed on Thursday, the complaint alleges that "a fair, free, and full expression of the intent of the voters was not had," and that voters were wrongfully assisted and intimidated during voting. According to the complaint, legal votes were rejected and illegal ones accepted. People who were "not residents, impostors and otherwise unqualified" were allowed to vote; and "wrongful assistance occurred with regard to voters together with intimidation and overreaching." The defendants are the entire Democratic ticket: Kubofcik, Councilman Khalil Kasht and Councilman-elect Len Lembo. Atie, through the suit, is calling for an extensive examination of all election materials and legal depositions of everyone who participated in the election. Superior Court Judge Joseph Scancarella granted Atie 10 days to produce evidence supporting her complaint. Providing that her evidence warrants it, a "show cause" hearing was set tentatively for Dec.21. Scancarella wanted to expedite the proceedings and secure a decision before the Jan. 1 re-organization meeting, when the new mayor will be sworn into office. The councilwoman alleges she "definitely" has eyewitness and documented evidence that Kubofcik's campaign committed wrongdoing on Nov. 3. "I complained to the superintendent of elections, and after the books were opened, we went ahead (with the investigation)," she said. The councilwoman said little during the court proceeding in Paterson. But afterward, she said illegal votes were cast in the borough on Nov. 3, and she referred to the election as a fraud. Atie filed the suit herself on behalf of the former Republican council candidates Waeil Dashoka and Joseph Bridge. She said she would hire an attorney. Leading up to Thursday, Atie has consistently faulted what she called a combination of dirty tactics by Kubofcik, questionable actions by the Parent-Teacher Organization, and a local Arabic newspaper for her loss at the polls. The Democrats declined comment, and referred to their attorney, Harley Briete, who could not be reached for comment December 10, 1998 Hawthorne Press Prospect Park GOP goes to court seeking To Overturn Election After losing to the Democrats in the November 3rd election, Prospect Park Republicans have gone to court in an effort to overturn the results. Appearing before Superior Court Judge Joseph Scancarella last Friday, Councilwoman Antoinette Atie claimed voter fraud as the basis for their action. Atie, who was the GOP mayor candidate, is acting on behalf of Councilman Waeil Dashoka and former Councilman Joe Bridge. The Republicans loss to Councilman Will Kubofcik, the Democratic candidate for mayor; incumbent Councilman Khalil "Kelly" Kasht and Leonard Lembo. Scancarella told Atie that her legal papers were inadequate because she did not provide affidavits from people who experienced or witnessed the alleged fraud. The judge gave the Republicans until December 14th to produce supporting evidence. Provided her additional documentation is in order, the judge has scheduled a show cause hearing for December 21st. Atie declined to elaborate about the lawsuit. Her petition alleges that "legal voters were rejected and illegal voters were accepted; that persons voted who are not residents: impostors and/or otherwise unqualified; that wrongful assistance occurred with regard to voters together with intimidation and over reaching, that persons who do not qualify under the statute to be registered to vote by residence or registration were wrongfully allowed to vote." Harley Breite, attorney for the Democrats, said, "We feel these charges are without merit and we welcome the opportunity to address these charges in a court of law." Atie lost to Kubofcik 864 to 697. The gap between the Democrats and the Republicans for the council seats was less than 100 votes. It is obvious to everyone," said Breite, "that this action is merely a retaliatory accusation generated by her disappointment in knowing she suffered an overwhelming political defeat." Kubofcik, as mayor-elect, said he was moving ahead with the transition process. "We can't waste lime or energy," he stated. |
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