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Home Comparing The Candidates Campaign Literature Message From Mike Mike In The News Mike's Opinions Biography Photos Contributions Lawn Signs Links The City of Summit |
Councilman Mike Vernotico today announced his intent to run for Mayor of Summit as an Independent. The Councilman said, "I am not my first choice for Mayor, Jordan Glatt is. I tried several times to get him to run for re-election. I understand though that after 10 years of dedicated service, he needs a respite. He has a great family and public office is at times more taxing on the family than on the elected official." Vernotico is a two term Councilman from Ward 2. He has carried his ward by substantial margins in his prior two elections. He originally was seeking a third term but was denied the nomination by the Republican Party. "The Summit voter is an independent thinker. They have repeatedly shown that. They consistently choose the character and quality of a candidate over partisan politics. Here in Summit, we always, always put people over politicians. In 2008, the Democratic Presidential candidate carried Ward 2 by 250 votes and I won Ward 2 by 350 votes as a Republican. Quite frankly, I am disturbed that partisan power politics is on the increase here in Summit. That needs to an end. Candidates need to need to be elected by the people of Summit, not selected by party officials." "One option would be to simply walk away," said Vernotico, "but there simply is too much going on now for me to abandon my community. I love this town. My uncle moved here in the early 50's. Every time we came to visit, I was in awe. Then, my uncle subdivided his lot and my father built our house on Lafayette Avenue in 1958. It was a dream come true." Councilman Vernotico was graduated from Summit High in 1964. "We were the first junior class in the "new high school" on Kent Place Boulevard. Prior to that there were six classes in the Middle School. High School was a 3 year program then in the older front part of that building and we had a three year Junior High School in the newer back part. Summit High was a greatexperience. I am still proud to this day that we were Summit High's first undefeated, untied football team and legendary coach Howie Anderson's first state championship team." Mike went on to Princeton University where he graduated with an engineering degree. He married Joanne 40 years ago at Saint Teresa's. Mike has been active in coaching youth sports here for 15 years and most recently started a flag football program for special needs children. "I look forward to campaign focused on the issues", added Vernotico. "My platform is simply as follows. 1. It is only about Summit all the time. There is no place for personal political agendas. 2. The sanctity and character of our individual neighborhoods make Summit 'Summit' and that needs to be respected in our decisions affecting our future. 3. There is never a wrong time to do the right thing. We must have complete transparency in our Mayor and Council and we must have the courage and conviction to make that happen. I am reaching out to you for your help and support. Please contact me at (908) 918-1199 or mike@mikevernotico.com. After all, this election is about you and your family, not me."  
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