Bernardsville Independent Leadership - John McCrossan&Joe Rossi

If there’s one thing the four candidates for Bernardsville Council agree upon, it’s the need for change. The Republican endorsed team of Denis Dooley and Charlotte Foster and their opponents, incumbent Joseph Rossi and John McCrossan of the newly formed Bernardsville Independent Leadership party, all say borough operations could be improved. They also seem to agree that needed projects in town have been delayed by ineffective management over the years, and that the borough government should be more responsive and civil to the public. They differ, however, on how these changes should be made, and who is to blame. During an interview of more than three hours last Friday, the candidates presented their cases as to why they are best suited for the two seats to be filled in the Nov. 8 election. We came away impressed with all of their credentials, and with the manner in which this potentially volatile campaign has been conducted to date. The difficult, divisive issues facing the community were discussed respectfully with no personal attacks. As the lone incumbent in the race, the record of the often-controversial Rossi and his dispute with other elected officials was often the focal point of the discussion. Depending on who one talks with, Rossi is seen as being either a maverick councilman who takes matters into his own hands without the full consent of the governing body or as the only member of an out-of-touch government who is willing to push hard for needed improvements. McCrossan steadfastly supports Rossi’s efforts, saying other council members are “not visible in our community.’’ Citing his extensive executive leadership background, he claims to be running to “right what is wrong’’ in town. Dooley and Foster emphasize the need to bring fresh ideas to the table. Both longtime borough residents cite their successful professional experience and community involvement as reasons they should be elected. In a difficult decision between four qualified candidates, our endorsement goes to Dooley and Rossi. A retired corporate attorney and deputy state attorney general, Dooley also offers an extensive resume of community service. As an organizer of the borough’s senior citizens organization, a former Board of Adjustment member, and an advisor to the YMCA and Visiting Nurse Association among other groups, we think he is certainly in touch with borough residents and their needs. He also seems a tough, no-nonsense sort who will get things done on a council that sometimes needs a jump-start. We have not always agreed with Rossi but think he represents a segment of the community that is sometimes overlooked by other elected officials who reside on the Bernardsville Mountain. Rossi can be stubborn and overbearing at times. But he also has an intense passion for the job - and the community - that is clearly lacking among others currently in office. His construction management experience and lengthy community service record are also unique assets on a council that is well stocked with legal and financial experts. Sometimes Rossi has rattled some cages, but we think this town needs someone willing to break up the stagnation. While he needs to work better within the political system and strive to build consensus for his positions, Rossi brings much to the job that would be hard to replace. We also believe that Foster and McCrossan would make effective council members. Foster offers a sensitive, professional approach that would serve residents of the community well. McCrossan has years of experience working with borough recreation programs, which would supplement his strong business background. But on Nov. 8 our nod goes to Denis Dooley and Joseph Rossi for Bernardsville Borough Council.