Politics & Government

Quick Bio: Council Candidate Richard Bunce

Bunce, 56, has been a councilman since 2003. He's one of four hoping to win the Republican nomination.

Four candidates are vying for two Republican nominations in Tuesday's primary elections in Hopatcong.

Incumbent Councilmen Richard Bunce and Marie Galate will square off against newcomers Thomas Forbes and Mariano Gianni with the hopes of winning the party's nod, which could all but lock up the battle for a pair of council seats in November. No Democrats filed for election, though independent candidates have until Tuesday to register.

Patch asked each candidate to fill out a questionnaire. Here are Bunce's responses. Click for Gianni's; for Galate's; and for Forbes'.

Find out what's happening in Hopatcong-Spartawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Age: 56

Occupation: Self Employed Business owner

Find out what's happening in Hopatcong-Spartawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Elected and Appointed Positions: Councilman, DPW committee, finance committee, Emergency Services Committee, Hopatcong Board of Health First Alternate, Liasion to Lake Hopatcong Commission, Chairman Sussex County Sherriffs Crimestopper committee, Officer Nominations Committee Sussex County League of Municipalities.

Other Community Associations: St Jude's Knights of Columbus, Chief Usher st. Judes Church, Vice-President and founding member Armed Forces Relief Committee, Honorary Member Hopatcong Fire Department, Honorary member Hopatcong  Fire Department Defience Engine Co #3,

How long have you lived in Hopatcong? 21 years

What do you see as the most pressing issues in a coming term, and what would you do about them?

1. Continued effort to Stabilize taxes: Continue to manage the business of government. Monitor and eveluate current efforts that have reshaped our municipal government to become more efficient and cost effective. Guage results by continuing to monitor and evaluate each municipal department, and making any adjustmnets needed to stay on track. Manage all resources available to Hopatcong to assure the very best services are provided and maintained. Provide shared services arrangements to increace outside sources of revenue.

2. Commitment to the future Hopatcong. Responsible planning and initiatives. Continue the program of systematic improvements throughout town. Recieving grants for infrastucture improvements, sidewalks, recreational improvements, energy efficiency upgrades, lighting and others. Partnering with neighboring municipalities, Sussex County, and the State to make Hopatcong the central part of a regional base for economic development and local jobs creation. Preparing and positioning Hopatcong to successfully meet the challanges, and reap the rewards of being ready to participate in the new economy of the 21st century.

3. Renewed Community Spirit: Being proud of Hopatcong. Continuing to enhance the growing community spirit that is thriving in Hopatcong. Continue the work of modernizing and beautifying our town center, and expanding that work through grants and sources of outside funding to provide safe, beautiful and well lit areas for our residents to enjoy. Engaging youth groups, senior groups, Scouting, sporting groups and the like, to suppoort thier efforts to enhance the wonderful experiences these groupos provide to thier participants. Continued support for events that bring our residents together with a sense of community pride and unity.

What's one fact about you that most voters probably don't know? Have been involved for over 20 years in fund raising efforts with Knights of Columbus, St. Judes Church, SCARC, Save The People food bank, Fire Department events, Hopatcong days, Swimmer Bill's Swims, Armed Forces Relief, and many others. I have been concerned and involved in Hopatcong as a citizen for a very long time and I am committed to make Hopatcong a leader in the future of our area.

Minor edits were made to the answers for clarity.


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