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TALK: Hopatcong Makes its Vote Count

Patch talks to borough residents about their primary election decisions.

 

Updated 1:59 p.m.

Turns out, there actually are Gianni-Forbes signs. Saw several while driving down Lakeside Boulevard and Hopatchung Road. Added a picture of the dueling signs to the right.

Before departing the Hopatcong Senior Citizens Center, we spoke with Sue Pedersen, who has lived in Hopatcong for 30 years. Pedersen, a home health aid, said she was a Democrat and didn't recognize many of the names on the ballot aside from President Barack Obama.

Updated 1:18 p.m.

Turnout has slowed considerably, and not just because we're at the Hopatcong Senior Citizens Center. (It's just a joke, guys.) Probably because everybody was voting on their lunch breaks, which takes considerable determination. I put food only after breathing.

Looks like it's time for us to head to Hopatcong's Dunkin Donuts. Grab a sandwich. Get some work done.

But while we're there we'll try to speak with more borough residents about their thoughts regarding the 2012 primary. Feel free to swing by and say hello to Patch editor Brendan Kuty. He'll be the guy in the corner with the viking beard.

Updated 12:47 p.m.

Michael and Armando Ruiz arrived at the Hopatcong Senior Citizens Center toting tennis rackets. But the fun would have to wait until they cast their votes.

The pair registered as Republicans. But Michael Ruiz said he registered on the GOP side because "it seemed like there was more at stake." Each said they voted for Forbes and Gianni because they wanted change.

"I was just thinking as far as Hopatcong goes … every year I feel like it's only getting worse for our schools," said Michael Ruiz, a 21-year-old college student, with his father by his side. "Every year the [school] budget doesn't pass. My dad just told me today when we paid the water bill that it went up 25 percent in the last year. Something has got to change there, too."

What issues were most on your mind heading into the polls today? Tell us in the comments.

Updated 12:29 p.m.

Andrea McMahon stopped by the Senior Center just a bit ago with her daughter, Jennifer. Andrea McMahon, a 24-year Hopatcong resident, switched from Democrat to Republican when she moved to the borough, she said, so she could have a greater voice in elections.

So how did McMahon vote? She said she went with Galate and Forbes. "We need a change," the mother siad. "You've got to mix it up a little bit. Sometimes you've got to go with your gut. You can't quite explain it."

Her daughter, on the other hand, was disappointed that she didn't have a Democratic candidate on the municipal side. "I didn't have much of a choice," she said with a shrug.

Michele Guttenberger also made the trip to the Lakeside Boulevard staple to speak with Patch. She said she voted for Gianni and Forbes.

"We really need more objectivity and less being 'yes' people," Guttenberger said. "Actually, you need someone who is insightful and will stir up a little trouble. To question things."

Guttenberger, who staged a last-minute write-in campaign in November, said she didn't plan to do the same in 2012.

Non-political note: The Senior Center's picnic area is like Attack of the Ants this afternoon. You think you've killed enough of them and they just keep coming like, well, ants.

Updated 12:01 p.m.

Susan Slinger, whom we wrote about this morning, oddly enough, stopped by the Hopatcong Senior Citizens Center to cast her vote a little before noon Tuesday.

Slinger, a registered Democrat, said she was disappointed she didn't have a municipal option. A former middle school teacher who spends half the year in Boca Raton, Fla., Slinger said she felt a little out of place as one of the few Democrats in traditionally red Hopatcong.

"I'm sure I'm only one of the few," she said.

Slinger also said that due to her part-time residence, she wasn't particularly familiar with the names on the Republican ballot.

There are several cars in the Citizens Center parking lot. Several belong to poll workers, who have been here since the morning. One boasts several New York Giants decals. I'd like to talk to that guy.

UPDATED 11:43 a.m.

Before we start bothering residents, let's look at something that hasn't been there, if you catch my drift.

Unless you've been reading Patch or have kept up with the Herald's Hopatcong coverage, you probably wouldn't know the borough's council race was between four candidates for two spots.

Why? Because along Hopatcong's main roads sit only signs advertising the Bunce-Galate campaign. The sign says it was paid for by Republicans For Hopatcong 2012, whose treasurer is Ron Petillo, the husband of Mayor Sylvia Petillo.

Why didn't Forbes and Gianni get out there more? Team Bunce-Galate didn't exactly go stumping around the borough. But there might not have been a need. They're names are somewhat established as incumbents.

It'll be interesting to see if the website of Forbes and Gianni, which you could view here, gained enough traction among borough voters.

In other signage news, what about this Dr. Gary Wood guy? His red and white sign reads, "Ever wonder if Heaven is real? Come meet & greet someone who has been there!"

Really?

Updated 11:19 a.m.

It's time.

The primary election polls opened Tuesday at 6 a.m. and will close at 8 p.m. While the race for Hopatcong's Republican nomination for a pair of expiring council seats could get interesting, many other state and county races will have voters making decisions that might affect their lives for a while.

Patch will head to several polling places throughout the day, hoping to speak with residents about their decisions. We'll be the mandatory 100 feet away from all polling entrances, so if you see someone yelling at you in the parking lot, it's just editor Brendan Kuty—though perhaps that won't comfort everyone.

And we'll be updating this post through the afternoon. So keep checking back for opinions from your neighbors.

Good luck voting!

Join the conversation: Did you vote? For whom did you vote and why? Tell us in the comments.

Correction: An earlier version of this post said the Richard Bunce and Marie Galate's signs were paid for by the Hopatcong Republican Club.

Related Topics: Primaries

Jessica

12:51 pm on Tuesday, June 5, 2012

What time is voting open until?

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Interesting

1:32 pm on Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Brendan... Please take a closer look at the Bunce & Galate signs and the paid by notation. It is NOT paid by the Hopatcong Republican Club.

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Brendan Kuty

1:57 pm on Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Interesting, I saw it while driving past it. What does it say? If I got it wrong, I'll change it.

Brendan Kuty

2:21 pm on Tuesday, June 5, 2012

You were right, Interesting. "PAID FOR BY REPUBLICANS FOR HOPATCONG 2012 R. PETILLO TREASURER." Will reflect it in the text. Somebody needs glasses, and that somebody might be me.

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Interesting

2:25 pm on Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Although I would be happy to tell you, I think that it is best that you walk up to one like in the picture and take a look for yourself. Not the end of the world, but I do believe you should be accurate.

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Brendan Kuty

2:33 pm on Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Interesting, definitely. You're right. Wasn't sure if you knew it off the top of your head. I drove out about 15 minutes ago and updated it. Thank you very much for the heads up.

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BeachBum

2:45 pm on Tuesday, June 5, 2012

"Something has to change with the 25% increase of the water bill" What about the $322.50 per quarter for the sewer bill - Ridiculous! The town F-ED the project up and the residents have to pay the towns debt for not finishing the project and the lawsuits they incurred from the project - Revitalize lower River Styx - Town needs business and that should be on the top of the agenda for any of the new council members

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Interesting

4:09 pm on Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Great idea about the Lower River Styx. Any specific suggestions on how to make that happen? We have no money and we already know that Tammy and others are opposed to any grants and donations. If you were dictator for the day, what would you do? Specific suggestions might even get specific action or at least an honest discussion on the topic.

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Emily

12:56 pm on Wednesday, June 6, 2012

You can thank Richard Hodson for that diaster. Sewers were his thing. Not a very thought out plan. Now we are paying for it. How come no one ever says what a screw up mayor he was. He did what he wanted and never listened to the people.

Tammy

4:58 pm on Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Interesting--You may spin things in the Mayor's favor all you like but DO NOT spin my words. I suggested TEMPORARILY not accepting any grants or donations that don't cover the total cost of the project it is intended for. Since you still tried to turn that around on me with the ambulance grant I had to take another step and clarify it for you once again and point out that I said FOOLISH or unnecessary projects such as street lamps and flower beds. I can't speak for Mr. BeachBum but by "revitalize" I'm pretty sure he doesn't mean accept grants or donations that will partially cover the cost of another Freedom Tree or more flower beds around the empty businesses. I'm almost positive he means do something to entice businesses to open in the empty buildings and attract more people into Hopatcong. I also find it "interesting" that you chose to use "dictator" for the day instead of "mayor" for the day. Why was that? Are you inferring that anybody who either disagrees with our Mayor's practices or would take her place in an election would be a dictator in your eyes? This town is falling apart, we sink deeper and deeper in debt every day, people are being allowed to let their homes/yards go to shambles, empty homes are left to crumble and by over run by brush and critters, neither of which attracts new buyers to this town. You can't drive in the Hills Section without risking whiplash because of the condition of the roads. How can you say what this current (con't.)

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Interesting

5:16 pm on Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Tammy.. It has been along time... I guess I touched a nerve with the ambulance - sorry anout that. I guess The town will just need to run all grants past you for your approval for a while. I chose the word correctly - dictator, because in government not one person can decide anything there needs to be compromise and the ability to work together for the common good. The Mayor doesn't even vote, unless there is a tie... So no - I meant what I said. So other than stopping what you describe as foolish projects (I would be curious as to exactly that would save). What do you specifically suggest to address the issues you point out? Again... Think big here... The needle doesn't move much by lack of flowers. With no money and not asking for grants... How exactly do you suggest the revitalization happen? What specifically will entice business to that area that will not cost the taxpayers anything... Specifics please...

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Lurky Loo

5:45 pm on Tuesday, June 5, 2012

At least we are a voice Interesting, all you do is say what would you do about that and spin everything you read. YOU offer nothing to the discussion. You blame everyone for not having a solution but have heard none of YOURS. Do you have any ideas or do you just like to complain about the complainers? It goes both ways Interesting. At least by griping, A. I feel better to be able to vent whether you like it or not and B. maybe griping will lead to new ideas on what to do but it doesn't help that CVS wanted to buy the dilapidated Municipal building for 3 million and the few that run things thought for some reason it was a bad idea. So there was NO place to put the Municipal personnel, and we the towns people don't hear ANYTHING about it until the deal was off the table because the town backdoored us again by having closed door meetings and turning down the deal without discussing with the people it may have benefited. Do you know how many jobs that would have created for the town?? Not to mention the tax revenue and CVS neighborhood give back program would have brought in some much needed money and help to Hopatcong. It's hard to be part of the solution when the people who run this town do it behind closed doors or don't listen to us (DPW fiasco) so we may not be able to fix stupid but we can certainly vote it out one Town Council member at a time.

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Interesting

6:11 pm on Tuesday, June 5, 2012

LL - I am not running for anything and am not complaining about anything in particular. On the other hand, I do think things can always be better. Go figure... I thought if you are able to express your displeasure - It only seems natural that you and others have ideas to improve things... I would hope from all of the displeasure would sprout ideas to improve things. But if it makes you feel better to just complain - go at it. If you want to think this is somehow about me - great. I would love to have heard what Forbes and Gianni were for other than the Health Department Moving to the County 3 years ago - if I am going to vote for change - I certainly want to know what I am changing to.

Tammy

5:06 pm on Tuesday, June 5, 2012

is doing is working? I have lived in this town for 40 years and saw fantastic growth and people finally being proud to say they lived in Hopatcong. In recent years I have seen a backward slide down a slippery slope in this town and more and more people going back to hesitating when asked where they live. I know, I know, not the Mayor's or the Council's fault at all.

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Michele Guttenberger

6:14 pm on Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Tammy - "dictator' was a wrong choice of words for "Interesting" to use when in this article it states "Hopatcong's main roads sit only signs advertising the Bunce-Galate campaign. The sign says it was paid for by Republicans For Hopatcong 2012, whose treasurer is Ron Petillo, the husband of Mayor Sylvia Petillo."

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Interesting

6:22 pm on Tuesday, June 5, 2012

ok Michelle... I already said why I chose the word... Alternatively, I could have said "if you had the personal ability and authority to make a change"... or "if you could press a button"... But enjoy the distraction if that makes you happy... Seems you could use some from the tone of some of your messages lately... Don't worry be happy....

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Emily

1:03 pm on Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Michele, what's your point. If someone wants to dole out the money so what. It didn't come out of your pocket. Your only confirming what I said yesterday, you like to stir up trouble with nothing to back it up with. If you care about this town like you say you do, then do somethong constructive, like building it up not tearing it down, so to speak.

doors43

6:18 pm on Tuesday, June 5, 2012

I went out and voted. Let's hope the town had a good turnout.

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Interesting

6:25 pm on Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Me too... Let's hope people go out and have their voices heard and the election is not decided by a tiny few... It is a shame more people don't exercise their right that so many have died trying to defend.

Rich Smith

8:14 pm on Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Anyhow: Seeing how there are no Democrats around to challenge the Republicans this “primary” election is really the general election for the council so let’s see what the people say and accept the voice of the people. And no sour grapes tomorrow, please. I’m sure that whoever does not win will be gracious enough to move towards working with our council for a better future. Let’s follow their lead.

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Michele Guttenberger

8:25 pm on Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Rich - what a peace keeper! Kudos to you.

Tammy

8:41 pm on Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Interesting--I have no interest (no pun intended) in running this town alone or with a council. Whether you like it or not I have the right to express my opinion. I would never deny you the right to express yours. I would be interested to know you opinion since you never truly give one, you just cut down other's opinions that don't support the Mayor/Council. I have asked you point blank before but you never answered me, who is responsible for the mess this town is in? Are you denying we are in extreme debt? Are you denying the condition of the roads not located near a school or the Borough Hall are deplorable? Are you denying that we have several buildings in town that used to be thriving businesses and now have stood empty for years? People who have worked hard and lived in their houses for 20 yrs. are having to give them up because they can't afford the ever rising taxes and sewer fees. Again, I ask, WHO IS RESPONSIBLE? You asked me the question where is the money supposed to come from--it is SUPPOSED to come from fairly taxing the residents and wisely spending each and every dime. If your budget barely covers the necessities how does it make any sense to accept grants and donations that partially cover NICETIES? You really need to lay off your weak "Tammy doesn't like grants" comments. If the Mayor made an announcement that there is a grant that would partially cover fixing ALL the roads but it can only happen if each resident pays an extra $250.00 (cont.)

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Tammy

8:45 pm on Tuesday, June 5, 2012

in taxes I'd be the first one on line at Town Hall with a check. For ornamental street lights? For new counter tops? Not without kicking and screaming the entire way. You seem to have no problem with giving the Mayor/Council credit for what is supposedly right with this town, just once and for all, tell me please, in your opinion, who is responsible for what is wrong with this town?

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The Watcher

12:29 am on Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Why should she have a problem Bunce won the primary

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BeachBum

8:20 am on Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Clean up the signs that litter the roadways and line poles

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