In a sign of peace with a former ally, Elwell - who also serves as the Democratic Municipal chairman - said Democrats will not put up a candidate to oppose Independent incumbent Councilman John Bueckner in the 2nd Ward.
More than 200 Democratic Party activists, Democratic Committee members, supporters and Democratic leaders from throughout Hudson County attended Elwell's kick-off rally at the Secaucus Plaza Hotel.
"We have kept our promises to the people of Secaucus," Mayor Elwell said last week. "We've kept the town affordable and have not raised taxes for six years in a row, and we're headed toward seven years in a row. No team in all of New Jersey has a better record in keeping its community affordable."
Elwell said Secaucus has prospered with Democratic control. While taxes have been kept in check, services and programs for residents have increased dramatically, he said.
"We have a state-of-the-art library, a new day care center, more open space and parks, more services for seniors and young people, and one of the safest communities in all of New Jersey," Mayor Elwell said. "We have a strong record to seek re-election."
Mayor Elwell's council ticket this year includes Deputy Mayor John Reilly, a firefighter who has represented the 3rd Ward for more than a decade. Reilly serves on the Board of Directors of the Liberty Health Care system, which operates the Meadowlands Hospital, Jersey City Medical Center and Greenville Hospital.
"I take great pride in all of the accomplishments of the mayor and Town Council," Reilly said. "We've provided solid, efficient, honest government that the people of Secaucus deserve."
Kane, the newest member of the Town Council, is a financial expert who retired after more than 20 years of work at the highest levels of Wall Street trading. He worked in executive positions at ABN AMBRO, Inc. and for Merrill Lynch for 20 years.
While working on Wall Street, Kane was active in the community as a coach in the recreation basketball and football programs.
"In my time on the Town Council, I've learned a lot from Mayor Elwell and all of the council members," Kane said. "I look forward to working with them to continue to improve the quality of life for all Secaucus residents."
Elwell, Kane and Reilly were joined by Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise, state Senator Nicholas Sacco, Assemblywoman Joan Quigley, Assemblyman Vincent Prieto, and a host of other prominent public officials. "I'm going to be asking voters to support the state and national Democratic ticket, but we won't oppose John Bueckner," Elwell said.
Sharing is caring Although Bueckner was once considered a strong critic of Elwell's, the two have come to terms, allowing the council to operate without rancor.
"John Bueckner comes in and talks to me about issues," Elwell said. "I recently appointed him to the Planning Board. I told him he could vote how he feels, but I asked him to talk with me if he disagreed on an issue. If we talk, he might even be able to convince me to change my mind on an issue."
Elwell himself was a symbol of opposition to the Democrats after his election to Town Council in 1992. But he ran as a Democrat in the 1999 primary against then-incumbent Mayor Anthony Just, and has since become the standard bearer for the Democrats, especially since last year's unexpected resignation of Anthony Impreveduto - who had served as the district's assemblyman and the town's municipal Democratic chairman.
"When I first ran for office, I saw we would concentrate on people rather than politics and keep taxes stable," Elwell said.
Elwell said the council will unveil its 2005 town budget in two weeks, which will show no municipal tax increase for the seventh year in a row.
Future plans include asking the city council to support a $9 million bond that will construct a new recreation center and upgrade Kane Stadium.
Elwell said the town is currently well under the maximum debt allowed by the state and that 99 percent of the bond will be paid for by revenues brought in from sources other than taxpayers. He said the recreation center will be within walking distance of the high school and will be open to school kids as well as the general population of Secaucus.
One of the key pieces in a transportation puzzle may also be solved with the expected take over and replacement of the Meadowlands Parkway Bridge.
"We have already received $200,000 to cover engineering costs," Elwell said. "The state will give us $2 million more to make it safe, and then build a new bridge later."
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