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November 3, 2015 The Gazette Democratic incumbents Richard Esquiche and Samir Hayek retained their seats on the town council By Rich Mardekian Esquiche (351 votes) and Hayek (336) turned back the challenge of Republicans Victoria Anderson (191) and Emily Rehim (176). Esquiche was on the council from 2005 to 2008 and from 2013 to now. He works with medical records at St. Michael's Hospital in Jersey City. He is involved with the Democratic Club and public safety and OEM on the council and is involved with quality of life and the safety of the town. "Quality of life is an ongoing issue," he said. "Times are tough, we have to look into shared services to save money." He was proud of a resolution the council passed to give college credit to volunteer firemen. He also looks forward to the council introducing a game of chance ordinance on the ballot for voters so things like raffles and Bingo games can be allowed to raise money for worthy organizations. "We want to do what we can do to not raise taxes," he added. He pointed to the hiring of special police officers to help out the regular officers at certain events and the money that has saved. "We want the full-time officers on the streets," he added. Hayek is a former council president. The Democrat won election to the council in 2009. He is a former member of the planning board. He is retired and has four children and six grandchildren. Hayek, an émigré from Lebanon, has lived in Prospect Park since 1976 and has a management degree. He is a member of the Lions Club, John Girgenti Civic League and is the President of the Prospect Park Democratic Club. "My job is not done," he said of running again. "I believe in the middle class and the poor and needy." June 4, 2015 Hawthorne Press Prospect Park Incumbants Prevail In Primary In Prospect Park, where four of the eight county committee seats were challenged on Tuesday, Illene Potoak and Mark Snyder each received 15 votes, beating Thomas Jefferson, six and Scott Smith, five. Emma Anderson and Belkis Drexler garnered two votes each; their opponent, Nelson Perez III, zero. Lois Hubbard and Ford Hubbard received 15 and 14 votes respectively beating Carmen Rose Cruz who got two votes. Joe and Lois Bridge were uncontested with five and four votes respectively. This is the second time the Republican municipal committee members have had a contested race.   April 2, 2015 Hawthorne Press Manchester basketball team honored for winning State Sectionals The Manchester Boys Basketball Team was honored for winning the Group 2 State Sectional Title. The team finished the season with a 24-5 record and beat Ramsey 92-90 on March 9 to win the Sectionals. The squad faced Newark Tech in the Group 2 State Semifinals and lost 66-53. |
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