SOUTH RIVER Four candidates are running for two available seats on the South River Borough Council.
Incumbent Republicans James Gurchensky and John Sapata will face first-time candidates Ruell Brown and Sandra Adelino, who are Democrats, for the three-year terms. Election Day is on Nov. 7.
Adelino, 43, has been a lifelong resident. She is a researcher and ACC field representative for the Laborers Union’s Laborers Eastern Region Organizing Fund since 2005.
She is a committeewoman for her district, a volunteer for the South River Food Bank and a co-chair of the borough’s Communication Committee, as well as treasurer of a South River-based nonprofit organization that contributes to community improvement initiatives.
“Utilizing my diverse communication skills, I will creatively and relentlessly build relationships and maintain established relationships within the community that will improve and expand the dialogue between the borough, businesses and residents. Having a clear and defined voice for the community is a top priority. I plan on establishing a foundation of trust and honesty that will drive our community forward,” she said.
Brown, 32, has been a resident for three years, and lived in Sayreville for 10 years. Currently, he works as a software engineer at MLB Advanced Media and previously was a software engineer at the New York Times.
Prior to attending Rutgers University, Brown was in the U.S. Army National Guard and served two tours to Iraq in 2005 and 2008. He is a lifetime member of both the American Legion and VFW.
Brown is currently a member of the borough’s TV-35 Advisory Board, and a member/secretary for the borough’s Green Team. He is also on the board of a local nonprofit that is responsible for initiatives such as the park cleanup on Earth Day, community garden interests meetings, dog park meet up and various community outreach priorities.
“I initially became involved in the South River Democratic Committee by coming to meetings, participating in events and voicing concerns given to me by neighbors. I decided to run for Borough Council after being encouraged by my fellow committee members in town,” Brown said. “I was eager to fill the committeeman role for District 3 when the position became available. As I became more involved, my dedication and enthusiasm was seen, which led to my nomination. As a candidate, I have been learning more about the issues that face the town as well as being a representative of South River at local, county and state events.”
Brown said he would like residents to feel that they get more for their tax dollars by ensuring that officials make smart purchases and spend responsibly without sacrificing quality of life.
“As I was having conversations with residents, I learned more and more about the town. I am focused on addressing their concerns. I think it’s very important for elected officials to be a voice for the people they represent,” he said. “I feel that my opponents have not done so in their current roles of representing the elderly and people with disabilities. As a veteran with two tours to Iraq, I hold issues that face veterans and those with disabilities with high importance.”
Gurchensky, 68, has been a lifelong resident, and has served on the council since 2015.
After 33 years of service he retired as a field maintenance technician for the U.S> Postal Service. Currently, he serves as liaison to the borough’s Cultural Arts and Heritage Commission, the Memorial Day Parade Committee and the Mayor’s Advisory Committee for Persons with Disabilities.
“Prior to serving as a councilman, I worked as a committee member for all of these organizations for over 10 years. During my term, I have served as liaison to the Municipal Alliance, Department of Public Works and Utilities and the Environmental Shade Tree Commission,” Gurchensky said.
Gurchensky is a life member of VFW Post 1451 and holds the position of quartermaster. He is also a life member of the Disabled American Veterans At Large and a marshal in the St. Mary of Ostrabrama Holy Name Society.
“The current administration fails to budget properly. They claimed since Jan. 1 that there was a financial crisis caused by the Republicans. Yet, they are planning a dog park, which is under review due to environmental issues, approved two fireworks displays, paid interns $500 each this summer and eliminated the Fire Prevention Department that cost the town no money, but now will cost the town $46,000 this year,” Gurchensky said.
“This was a political decision which was not done in the interest of the residents. It resulted in a hefty tax increase for the taxpayers of South River who are bracing for the impact of a state mandated re-evaluation. South River cannot afford the current administration’s out-of-touch policies and careless spending. I also feel a sense of responsibility to my friends, neighbors and fellow residents and I would be honored for the privilege to represent them for another three years.”
If reelected to the council, Gurchensky said that he would continue to pursue conservative measures to maintain stability and strive to re-establish fiscal responsibility for the residents and taxpayers.
“I want to stop the current administration’s total lack of respect for the residents that was highly evident earlier this year when they locked them out of a council meeting to keep them silent after they protested over the current administrations elimination of the town’s Fire Prevention Department,” Gurchensky said.
Sapata, 42, has been a resident for more than 15 years and has served on the council for almost a year. He currently is a practicing lawyer.
“I have chosen to run for Borough Council because like many residents, I think the current administration has made too many critical decisions without input from the public, ignoring residents’ concerns and circumventing laws and rules to further their own political agenda,” Sapata said. “They have spent money frivolously and unnecessarily, while raising taxes 8.64 percent. I believe residents should have a say in the future of their town, and hope to be a voice for those who have felt silenced by the current majority.”
Currently, Sapata is member of the South River Foundation for Educational Excellence and PTA, teaches religious education and volunteers as a youth sports coach. He previously served on the Zoning Board and currently is the liaison to the Mayor’s Advisory Council on Aging and the Municipal Alliance.
While on the council, Sapata said, “I fought for a resolution that provided electric demand charge relief to all South River churches, non-profits and veteran organizations, and non-profits, for a savings of over $25,000, which they could then apply towards their good works.
“I hope to continue to be a vocal advocate for fiscal responsibility and transparency in government, formulate a feasible plan to provide ongoing tax and electric rate demand relief, advance the downtown redevelopment plan to encourage new and established businesses and develop a partnership with the schools to help enrich the lives of our youth, the future of our community,” Sapata said.
Contact Vashti Harris at vharris@newspapermediagroup.com.
