Deputy Mayor Mary DePaloa Announces Candidacy for Mayor

Deputy Mayor Mary DePaola announced today that she will be running for Mayor in the upcoming June primary election. Her running mate, Republican Ed Saridaki will be vying for a seat on the town council.

Mayor Nancy Malool could not be reached for comment.

In a statement released the press this morning, Bill McClintock, Chairman of the Scotch Plains Republican Party stated that "[DePaola's] background as a structural engineer gives her a unique perspective on problem solving," McClintock said.

McClintock expressed that Scotch Plains Republican Party will be launching a website and posting a schedule of events in the near future.

DePaola has served as the Deputy Mayor since January 2011. Prior to serving on the town council, she was a member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment and various other town committees.

“Although the township has experienced a variety of unusual challenges over the last few years, we are eager to apply that knowledge to setting and attaining realistic goals,” DePaola said.

Ed Saridaki has lived in Scotch Plains for 35 years, serving on the Board of Education for nine years. He has a background in business and publishing and is active in the Boy and Girl Scouts, the Scotch Plains- Fanwood Youth Baseball, the Soccer Association, and the First Congregational Church of Westfield. Saridaki is also active various high school outreach programs and Habitat for Humanity.

"It was an honor to serve the community on the Board of Education and my experience there will be an asset for our Township Council," Saridaki said. "Municipal governments throughout New Jersey face increasing challenges to provide the services their citizens expect and deserve in what continues to be a difficult economy. I believe my background will help our Township Council meet these challenges."

Readers are still reeling about the unexpected statement released by DePaola and Councilman Bo Vastine regarding their support for a police merger - a statement that was released without Mayor Nancy Malool's knowledge just a few weeks ago. You can . Today, DePaola stated that merging police forces with Fanwood will be a top priority if elected.

"Some of the areas where we can make advances are the potential police merger with Fanwood and seeking other shared services, while continuing to look for ways to improve and streamline our operations,” DePaola said.