Quick Bio: Mayoral Candidate Sylvia Petillo

Incumbent John Young (R) and newcomer Estelle Klein (R) will run uncontested for two open council seats while Sylvia Petillo (R) will run alone for a mayoral re-election in Hopatcong on Nov. 8.

Patch asked each candidate to fill out the questionaire below. Here are Petillo's responses. Click for Klein's and for Young's.

Name: Sylvia Petillo

Age: 61

Occupation: Business owner—Petillo Enterprises in Kenvil

Elected and Appointed Positions: Current mayor of Hopatcong; former councilwoman; former member of the Board of Education, serving as president for four years; former mediator for the Hopatcong Dispute Resolution Committee; former member of the Board of Directors for American Christian School

Other Community Associations: Hopatcong Woman’s Club; honorary member of the Hopatcong Fire Department; member of the Hopatcong Municipal Alliance; member of the Sussex County Coalition of Healthy and Safe Families; Hopatcong Republican Club member; Municipal League of Municipalities member; former coordinator of “Hopatcong Helping Hands”

How long have you lived in Hopatcong? I have lived in town for 39 years.

What do you see as the most pressing issues in a coming term, and what would you do about them? These are very challenging times for small town America, and our community is no exception. The most pressing issue facing Hopatcong is property taxes. While the Borough of Hopatcong is responsible for collecting all property taxes, only 28 percent of those collections are used for municipal services. The remaining 72 percent is turned over to the school and county for their use whether or not the borough is successful in collecting the full amount. In the current economy, the Borough of Hopatcong has been subjected to significant reductions in state aid, and loss of revenues. Given today’s economic climate the challenge will be the ability to stabilize government spending, while still providing the quality services our residents need and deserve.

In order to reshape local government we have to address the cost structure associated with government. We must employ a sound fiscally conservative approach to spending, evaluating costs in every department to become as efficient and cost effective as possible. We need to outline a strategic plan with long term projections that include infrastructure improvements, as well as set realistic goals and focus on revitalization of areas that are most in need of change. In addition, Trenton is oppressing small towns in New Jersey with unfunded mandates, and crippling local municipalities with over-regulation. It is imperative that we advocate against these mandates which consume our financial resources and have a direct and negative impact on our local taxes.

What's one fact about you that most voters probably don't know? One fact about me that most voters probably don’t know is that in 1996 I decided to become a dog breeder with a rare and unusual breed called Coton De Tulear. A Coton is an adorable little white ball of fur that loves attention. They have a playful personality and make a perfect addition to your lap .Unfortunately, my brief career as a breeder came to a sudden end when I realized I didn’t have the heart to part with any of my puppies. My last Coton, Sabrina, passed away on July 7, 2011.