Two Former Hillsdale Councilmen Among Nominees For Seat

The Bergen County Republican Organization has submitted three nominees for an empty seat on the Hillsdale Council, including two who already served, according to borough officials.

The names are Anthony DeRosa, Frank Pizzella and Frank D'Amico, Mayor Max Arnowitz told Patch. DeRosa and Pizzella both served on the council last year to fill seats left by previous members who resigned, but lost in the election when Democrats won all four council seats. D'Amico is a business owner with a financial background, Arnowitz said.

The new member will be replacing former Council President Michael Giancarlo, who resigned his seat as of December 31 because of time constraints, he previously said. Giancarlo said he had planned to step down for some time, but wanted to wait for the new council to take over so they could pick someone they would be able to work with.

The nominees come from the Bergen County Republican Organization because Giancarlo is a Republican.

The council may need to make a decision at their next meeting, or will have to hold another special meeting before the end of the month because of legal deadlines. Council President Tom Kelley said they planned to interview the three candidates during a closed session at their next meeting.

"We're going to have to interview them and see what they're all about," Kelley said.

Arnowitz said he believed any of the candidates would be capable of filling the position.

"I think they're all outstanding," Arnowitz said. "I just hope that whoever takes the seat has the time and is willing to devote the time to being a councilperson."

The available council term ends at the end of 2013, so the seat will be up for grabs in the next election.

Have a question or news tip? Contact editor Jim Leggate at Jim.Leggate@patch.com, or find us on Facebook and Twitter. For news straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.