"People ask me all the time and wonder why I put the time that I do into being the mayor," Sacco said. "I tell them that I love doing it. It's not work if you love doing what you do. I've been so fortunate to have been able to serve as mayor for so long and I truly enjoy it. I want to keep serving the people of North Bergen. I'm not ready to give it up."
With that in mind, Sacco filed box loads of signed petitions, more than 10,000 total (10,267 to be precise), to Township Clerk Carol Fontana Wednesday afternoon, officially declaring his intentions to run for an unprecedented sixth term as the township's mayor.
The entire Board of Commissioners, long-time Sacco allies, also submitted their petitions to run for another term when the municipal election is held May 8.
Commissioners Frank Gargiulo, Theresa Ferraro, Hugo Cabrera and Allen Pascual also declared their intentions to run for re-election as well.
As it stands now, there doesn't appear to be opposition. Residents had until 4 p.m. Thursday (after press time) to officially file petitions to appear on the ballot, but there hasn't been a hint of talk of opposition, like there was in 2003.
"I really don't expect opposition," said Ferraro, who is seeking her third full term as a commissioner. "Usually, if there was someone running, we would have heard something by now. But I haven't heard anything. But we're going to work like we're going to have a battle."
Improving North Bergen
The entire Sacco ticket trounced a ticket headed by former police captain and PAL director Joe Marino four years ago by more than a three-to-one margin. With Sacco's power and popularity, an attempt at running against him would more than likely be a simple act of futility.
"We intend to work just as hard to get out to the people in this election," said Sacco, whose ticket ran unopposed in 1999 as well. "It's important to see the people in an election, so we'll be out there. We're going to try to keep making things better in North Bergen for our residents. Our goal over the next four years is to lead North Bergen to the next generation. There are a lot of things on tap for the town and we want to make sure that things are done the right way."
Sacco was alluding to the major commercial development that is coming to the township, including a $70 million shopping center under construction by Vornado Realty off Tonnelle Avenue. There is also the residential development ongoing along River Road, projects that will continue to pop up along the Gold Coast for years to come.
"There are so many projects on tap for the town that we have to be here," Sacco said. "I want to be here to see them all carried out to fruition."
Sacco first became a member of the Board of Commissioners in 1985 and became Mayor after a recall effort in 1991.
Gargiulo, a Republican, is next in line in terms of service, having been a commissioner since 1987. Cabrera and Ferraro are both seeking their third terms.
Pascual was first appointed as the Parks and Recreation Commissioner in 2002, replacing Peter Perez, who was indicted on corruption charges. Pascual won a special election later that year and then earned a full four-year term with the rest of the Sacco ticket in 2003.
"I'm glad that the entire team has decided to run for re-election," Sacco said. "We work together well as a team and I think we're very effective. I think we rely on each other and that's how the commission form of government is supposed to work."
Sacco was amazed with the amount of petitions that were collected.
"I'm astounded with that number," Sacco said. "It's beyond expectations. I thank all the people who went door-to-door to get the signatures. I have tremendous appreciation for the people of North Bergen and this makes me feel that they have trust in this administration and want us to stay in office. It makes us want to work even harder."
Large goals for new term
Sacco said that he has major goals for his next term if he's elected.
"We have to work on getting the overpass (at 69th Street) done," Sacco said. "That's probably the most important goal. The state now says 2009. I want it sooner. We want to make the schools better, make the average class size smaller. There's a lot to be done."
Ferraro, the lone female, is also a senior citizen, so she represents two very important groups in the township.
"I'm very proud to be a senior citizen and very proud to help other seniors," Ferraro said. "The Good Lord has taken care of me and allowed me to be here. I feel I have to represent both groups. I'm very excited to be the first female Public Safety Commissioner and love the idea of serving the public for another four years. I'm from here. I was born here, live here, raised my son here. I'm just so very pleased to have this opportunity."
Sacco said that he doesn't foresee a time where he will walk away from being the mayor.
"When I'm satisfied with the way things are, then it's time for me to step aside," Sacco said. "As long as I feel I'm working to improve North Bergen, then I'm going to stay."
And if the 10,000 or so signed petitions are any sign, then Sacco is probably going to stay around for a very long time. Jim Hague can be reached via e-mail at either OGSMAR@aol.com or jhague@hudsonreporter.com
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