Meet the 2025 Rutherford Council Candidates

By Jennifer Ersalesi

Election Day is just a few weeks away on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. This year, the Borough of Rutherford has one incumbent candidate and three other candidates vying for two available Council positions. This is Rutherford asked all four candidates the same set of interview questions. Their responses are listed below in the order they were received.

Frank Wilson, Republican Candidate for Council

TIR: What do you love most about living in Rutherford?

Frank Wilson (Republican candidate): I have lived in Rutherford for over 30 years. I love the small town feel where you get to know your neighbors and you feel part of a community.

TIR: How have you been involved in the community?

FW: I have been involved when I joined my fellow citizens in saving the Rutherford pool.

The BOE wanted to fill the pool in when they proposed the referendum of $57 Million

dollars. We residents joined together to oppose this. The referendum was reduced $10

Million dollars and we saved our pool.

I also joined the residents when we created RAFE and fought back Felician University

plan to create a 1000 seat arena in the Montross Ave parking lot. This arena would have

been in the middle of town, with only street parking for any event, increased traffic, and

residents would have to pay for police, fire, and ambulance services. The school is tax

exempt so residents would have to pay for all services. The arena plan was defeated due

to the residents standing together.

I also donate wreaths that I create to the Kipp Center for its annual Festival of Trees

holiday event that supports the seniors.

TIR: How do you plan to balance development and maintain the character of our community?

FW: We cannot turn Rutherford into Hoboken. Developers want to build 6 Story

apartments/Condominiums that will drastically alter the charm of Rutherford.

Developers also want to cram as many units into undersize lots. Developers also want

PILOT tax relief so residents will not gain anything, since PILOTS do not contribute to our

school system, residents will have to pay for any new children going to Rutherford

schools in PILOT developments. We should look to create town houses no more than 3

stories since the height of our older homes are 3 stories, this will allow for development

while keeping the charm.

TIR: How will you ensure transparency and accessibility in local government decisions?  

FW: Years ago we had 1 council meeting, and 1 work session for the council. The work

session was open to the public and residents were allowed to see what was being

discussed. When the council meeting took place the residents all knew what was going

to be covered and how the decisions were made. Currently the residents have no idea

of how the town is managed. Each citizen gets 5 minutes to talk with no reply required

from the council. I would also allow the council to answer the resident directly after the

5 minutes. This would allow a resident to follow up on their original question. Currently

it is one sided with no open discussion. I would also be against OPRA requests being

redacted so that citizens can have total transparency.

TIR: In your opinion, what are THREE of the most important characteristics/ qualities of a successful council member?

FW: Honesty, a council member must be truthful their word is their bond. A council

person must not be a know it all, they must be willing to ask staff and residents for

their help.

Integrity, a council member must uphold the values they took an oath to support.

Financial oversight, a council member must understand that they do not have a blank

checkbook. That every dollar spent is someone’s hard earned money. It comes down

to needs and wants when spending. Do we really need something or just want it

when controlling cost?

Dennis Mazone, Democratic Candidate for Council

TIR: What do you love most about living in Rutherford?

Dennis Mazone (Democratic candidate): There’s something truly special about living in Rutherford, something that can't be replicated in other towns or cities. It’s in the little things: the way the local coffee shop knows your order before you even say a word, or how the streets come alive with familiar & friendly faces during the Saturday farmers' market, at local parades, or at festivals held in Lincoln Park. But more than anything, it’s the people, the sense of community, the way neighbors look out for one another that makes Rutherford feel like more than just a place to live. It’s home.

For over 24 years, my wife, Jennifer, and I have been proud to call Rutherford home. It’s where we’ve raised our four children, built lasting friendships, and dedicated ourselves deeply to this incredible community. Like many, we were first drawn here for work and Rutherford’s convenient proximity to New York City. But it didn’t take long for us to fall in love with the Borough’s tree-lined streets, charming downtown, outstanding restaurants, and excellent schools.

Now, more than two decades later, what I cherish most about Rutherford is still the people. Rutherford is more than just a welcoming and friendly place, it’s a community rooted by shared values and a deep sense of pride. Whether you’ve lived here your entire life or just recently moved in, there’s a sense of belonging that ties us together. Time and again, I’m inspired by the people of Rutherford. Whenever there’s a need, there’s always someone ready to step up, a friend, a neighbor, or a fellow community member standing by to lend a hand. That kind of community spirit is something truly rare. I am both humbled and honored to be part of this flourishing town, and grateful for the opportunity to serve a community so deeply connected by unity, pride, and heart. It’s home. 

TIR: How have you been involved in the community?

DM: Over the past 24 years, my family and I have been connected to and invested in Rutherford, always looking for ways to give back and advocate for the Borough we proudly call home. I’ve had the privilege of volunteering and serving in a variety of roles, from scout leader and recreation sports coach to committee member for the Rutherford Downhill Derby. I’ve also sought opportunities where I could utilize my professional experience to Rutherford’s benefit. I’ve served as an EMT with the Rutherford Ambulance Corps, as a Trustee on the Rutherford Board of Education, and more recently, as a Trustee on the Rutherford Board of Health.

Since 2015, I’ve served as an elected trustee on the Board of Education, and since 2018, as Vice President of the Board. In that role, I’ve worked to help ensure our K–12 schools are well-run, that our six buildings and facilities are properly maintained, and that our administrators and staff have the resources they need to support the academic success of the district’s roughly 2,600 students. I’ve served on several key Board committees, acted as a Board liaison to district schools and the PT Council, participated in multiple contract negotiations with the REA and RAA, and helped support the successful passage and implementation of the 2019 referendum.

In 2021, I was appointed by the Mayor and Council to serve on the Rutherford Board of Health. Since joining, the Board has worked hard to strengthen the Health Department and to better serve the Borough’s public health needs. This included hiring a new Health Official & Registrar of Vital Statistics, as well as establishing a service contract with the Mid-Bergen Regional Health Commission to provide essential health services. I’m proud of the transformation we’ve achieved within the Health Department. I truly believe Rutherford is now better prepared to prevent the spread of communicable diseases, protect the health of our residents, and provide high-quality public health education and services.

It’s been a privilege to be part of Rutherford’s journey, to witness its growth, progress, and resilience. Through these experiences, I’ve gained valuable insight into the inner workings of our Borough. I’ve also developed a deeper understanding of both the opportunities ahead and the challenges we face. With that perspective, I’m eager to continue serving and contributing to Rutherford’s future as a member of the Borough Council.

TIR: How do you plan to balance development and maintain the character of our community?

DM: Rutherford’s ability to balance limited development with our need for affordable housing, as well as new sources of tax revenue, while preserving the character of our community and streetscapes, is essential to our Borough’s long-term success. From recent conversations, this is a top concern for many residents. Issues surrounding development and zoning are frequently raised and deserve thoughtful, transparent leadership.

When it comes to development, some residents have said that Rutherford is at risk of losing our small-town charm due to recent construction and redevelopment. Development is, of course, a double-edged sword. On one hand, it brings greater diversity, attracts new businesses, and contributes to the broader tax base. On the other hand, it can increase demand for municipal services and strain already limited resources, especially our schools, public works, police, fire, and EMS. It may also impact traffic, parking, and pedestrian safety, along with demands for other municipal services. 

As for PILOTs, they can be a tool to support targeted development, especially when it comes to revitalizing underused properties or encouraging investment in key areas. When used responsibly, PILOT agreements can stimulate local economic growth without overburdening taxpayers and can provide direct benefits to the community, such as improved infrastructure or public amenities. However, these agreements must be pursued with full transparency, strong accountability, and a clear focus on long-term community benefit.

My approach to any development will be thoughtful, sustainable, and community-centered. I will support limited development that addresses community needs, like affordable housing options, improved infrastructure, and expanded local businesses without compromising the character of our community. Developers should be held to high standards of design and scale that fit within Rutherford’s fabric and enhance, rather than overwhelm, our community.

Just as importantly, I believe residents deserve a seat at the table. I will advocate for robust community engagement, transparent planning processes, and opportunities for public input because shaping our town should be a shared effort.

Finally, I will remain committed to preserving our green spaces, supporting small businesses, and protecting the walkability and livability that make Rutherford such a special place to call home. Growth is important, but it should never come at the expense of the community spirit that defines us.

TIR: How will you ensure transparency and accessibility in local government decisions?  

DM: I am committed to working hard to ensure transparency and accessibility in our local government, because building trust and encouraging meaningful community involvement starts with clear, open communication.

As an aspiring member of the Rutherford Council, I will prioritize making it easier for residents to stay informed and engaged. I fully support the current live streaming and recording of all Mayor & Council meetings, as well as the regular and timely updates to the Borough website. This includes ensuring important Borough information, such as ordinances and upcoming agenda items, are made available in advance, and are easy for residents to locate and understand. 

I also plan to establish consistent channels for two-way communication with residents. This means attending community forums, hosting coffee hours, contributing to the Borough newsletter, and being available at local events. I believe in meeting residents where they are, whether that’s around town, or on digital platforms, to actively listen, engage, and respond to their questions or concerns.

By being accessible, promoting openness, and encouraging real-time engagement, I aim to help model a local government that works with the people of Rutherford—not just for them.

TIR: In your opinion, what are THREE of the most important characteristics/ qualities of a successful council member?

DM: Serving as a council member in Rutherford is a significant responsibility, one that requires a specific set of qualities to be truly effective as a community leader. While many personal attributes can contribute to one’s success in this role, I believe the three most important are integrity, strong communication skills, and a community-first mindset.

Integrity is essential because council members are tasked with making decisions that impact the entire borough. Acting with honesty, transparency, and accountability builds public trust and ensures decisions are made for the right reasons, always with the goal of doing the greatest good for the greatest number.

Strong communication skills are equally critical. Responding to the concerns and needs of all Borough residents, collaborating with fellow council members, and clearly explaining ordinances and decisions all require the ability to communicate effectively. Just as importantly, listening, especially to diverse perspectives or differing opinions, is vital to truly representing the whole community.

A community-first mindset means prioritizing the well-being and best interest of residents and the Borough over personal or political interests. This quality ensures that decisions are inclusive, advocacy is genuine, and positive change is lasting.

I believe I possess these essential character traits to serve effectively as a council member here in Rutherford. I also believe deeply in the power of community service, the importance of giving back, and the timeless idea that “it takes a village.” Throughout my personal and professional life, I have modeled these values by practicing servant leadership, consistently putting the needs of my team and the community ahead of my own.

After nearly two decades of volunteer work in Rutherford, I remain deeply committed to this community. As a member of the Rutherford Borough Council, I will continue working tirelessly to build community, create positive change, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of our residents.

Christie Del Rey-Cone, (Incumbent) Democratic Candidate for Council

TIR: What do you love most about living in Rutherford?

Christie Del Rey-Cone (Democratic candidate): Before we moved to Rutherford, the realtor (hi, Shaye!) pitched all of the typical selling points - convenient location, walkable town, increasing diversity, access to public transport, great schools, safety, etc. Any one of those factors are certainly reasons to love living in Rutherford. But, those things are not what make me wander around this town feeling so content and what makes me feel so proud every time I am on the dais as a Councilwoman. It’s the people. We are a community of eclectic, interesting, brilliant people. “Old” Rutherford? “New” Rutherford? That doesn’t really matter. The people that live here make me want to pour my time into this place. My husband and I have truly built a village here. One that results in random texts from friends and neighbors saying how much our son has grown, inviting us to their home on a Monday night to eat the leftovers from a party they had that we couldn’t make, or sending our daughter gift cards for places in her new college town.

There are so many people that live here that truly want to make it the best place for everyone - volunteers are such a significant portion of what keeps this town thriving. What is it that makes me answer every resident email I receive or speak at a cub scout meeting? What is it that makes me attend community events or respond to those that speak to us during the Hearing of Citizens? What made me decide to run for a second term? That answer is easy - it’s the people. We all want the same thing - to love where we live. That alone is worth celebrating.

TIR: How have you been involved in the community?

CDRC: In the most recent years, my involvement in the community has been focused on serving as a Councilwoman. Over the past nearly three years, I believe I have demonstrated leadership that is thoughtful and committed. I have demonstrated that I am unafraid to speak to difficult issues with respect, facts and truth. I have demonstrated that attempts to silence me because my voice is inconvenient simply will not work. Leadership is staying true to who you are, owning what you say, keeping your promises and recognizing that serving what is in the interest of the community comes above serving any one person or interest. I spend a ton of time on the “little” acts of service that are not obvious - I have gone to residents’ homes at their request to speak with them - not only when I’m in “campaign season”.

I treat my liaison assignments — the Green Team, Civil Rights Commission, and DPW — with focus and importance. Even as a Councilwoman, I continue to volunteer for community events and in our schools - whether it’s volunteering at the Civil Rights Commission’s Multicultural Festival, helping set up for Rutherford Pride Alliance’s Pridefest or selling spirit wear at RHS football games for the Sports Boosters.

When you think about who to vote for, you should consider who shows up for you. Who shows up for the community. As voters, we must pay attention to who is present and how. Some of my favorite moments as a Councilwoman have been as an observer like watching the excited class of 2025 celebrate their Baccalaureate or watching hundreds of residents gaze at the sky for Fourth of July fireworks. Sometimes, being involved in the community as a leader means doing so quietly. Sometimes our presence - quiet and unassuming but supportive - is the most important way to contribute.

TIR: How do you plan to balance development and maintain the character of our community?

CDRC: Promises of lower taxes and less development are alluring but misleading. The council is a council of six people - no one person can promise you change. If you are being promised vast change or an independent plan to fix something you believe to be broken, your candidates should be prepared to explain how you’re getting it - what is the plan, what are the steps, how will they get their colleagues to agree? The Council is made of six people - it takes at least four to get anything done. The Mayor does not vote unless there is a tie. So, one candidate cannot give you change. It’s simply impossible. Since I moved here just over seven years ago, there have been endless discussions about development but very little actual development. The current governing body is selective in what projects it even considers and propels forward and it should continue to be. To balance development against other community interests, we must (and will) ask more of our developers in the way of community partnership and contribution. We voted recently on a project that I refused to consider until the developer agreed to a give back to the community. We have to continue asking for those give backs. Our Borough Administrator is adept at keeping a “wish list” of projects we would love to do if only we had the funding. We want to keep improving our parks, find a way for a recreation center, continue to improve the look, feel and functionality of the West End, pour more money into the arts - just to name a few. It is our job to find the funding and sometimes that funding is achieved through development.

Over the past few months, I have publicly encouraged residents to read about and ask

questions about PILOTs. I am an elected official but I am a resident first - my children live here and I want to stay here. For that reason, I am very invested in keeping this place we love

thriving in a way that stays true to its history. The main reason I consider PILOTs is that, without them, the builders simply will not build. Why is that a problem? Because without any building, lots stay vacant and we get much less tax revenue from the property. Would I prefer to say no to PILOTs and convince developers to build with standard taxation - of course! Sadly, that is rarely an available option. While PILOTs delay tax revenue and the revenue we do receive does not go to our schools, the arrangements still result in far more revenue than if nothing were built. As for the schools, the Board of Education has its own budget and sets its own taxation. While there is no evidence that any of the projects considered (none of which have been built or even started in recent years) will result in our taxes being raised to account for changes in student attendance, that is something we would have to reckon with if it came to fruition. If we found that any of our PILOT-ed projects were impacting our BOE budget, we would have to take a long hard look at the municipal budget and the BOE budget to figure out a solve. Finding a solve for a problem that does not yet exist is nearly impossible. Alot of candidates promise lower taxes - have you asked them how they are getting that for you? Because, in an economy with steadily

increasing inflation, decreasing taxes only happens in one of two ways - (1) cutting services to the community or (2) finding infusions of revenue. No one wants the first to happen (although I can represent that I will always take a thoughtful look at the budget and present questions where I see a potential save) and the second is very difficult. There is simply minimal opportunity for increasing revenue in a town of this size.

I balance development against maintaining the character of our community by asking tough

questions of our professionals and those that want to develop here. I am not a quiet participant. I am not a blind vote. I am not “a decide now and read later” leader. When someone wants to do business with the Borough and it is brought to me, I ask A LOT of questions. If I am not satisfied with the answers, I ask some more. It is not impossible to have development and maintain the character of our community. What is impossible is meeting our collective obligation to make our town accessible for future generations without smart development.

TIR: How will you ensure transparency and accessibility in local government decisions? 

CDRC: I think my first term has demonstrated that I do not hide. I speak my mind. I provide my opinion. I unabashedly explain how I came to my decisions, my votes and my views. Transparency and accessibility are about connecting to those around us. My professional life has trained me to build my goals around connection with others and that training has allowed me to be really accessible as a Councilwoman. I may not always know the answer and I may not always provide you the response you desire, but I will always answer an inquiry that appears in my inbox. I will always answer a phone call. I readily give out my cell phone number. I am a public servant - I’m here to serve. Guaranteeing the transparency and accessibility of others is a heavier lift and although I cannot promise it, I can foster it - by example and by encouragement. 

TIR: In your opinion, what are THREE of the most important characteristics/ qualities of a successful council member?

CDRC: The three most important characteristics/qualities of a successful council member are (1) candor, (2) accessibility and (3) the belief that two things can be true at the same time. I will explain each in turn.

(1) Candor as a council member requires a willingness to take a position - even if unpopular.

We are elected to be a voice and to represent as many voices as possible. The slogan of

my first campaign was “every voice, one community,” and I still take that very seriously.

As elected officials, we owe residents the baseline of respect to listen. Only after we

listen can we respond with candor. That means responding with integrity, with truth and

with confidence. I am a very direct person - I believe that no one should leave a

conversation with me wondering where I stand. Candor is a sign of respect. It is a

demonstration that I value another person enough to trust that they can handle my view -

whether they agree with it or not. I am not responsible for how others react to me but I

am responsible for how I deliver myself to them.

(2) As already discussed, I pride myself on being a Councilwoman that shows up in word

and in action. I want to celebrate with the scouts of a troop that has their first female

Eagle Scout. I want to celebrate the honorees at the St. Mary’s CYO Gala. I want to

cheer on our softball teams. The more the residents see me, the more they will know my

investment and feel that I am accessible to them. And, accessibility is not just showing

up, it’s speaking up. I am confident that I do that too. I have navigated some tricky issues

in my first term as a Councilwoman and I have navigated two contested primary

elections. Through it all, I have remained true to being forward facing. I did not hide. I did

not lean away from questions or concerns. I leaned in. I asked for the seat so I better be

ready to sit in it.

(3) “Two things can be true at the same time,” is one of my go-to phrases. As humans, we

can experience two conflicting feelings at the same time - happiness and sadness,

excitement and nervousness, fear and comfort, etc. As a Councilwoman, I have had to

constantly leverage that mindset. Two things can be true at the same time - I can be

exhausted from the job I work all day to support my family and still have to show up with

focus at a Council meeting; I can staunchly disagree with someone’s view on the

municipal budget but also understand how they arrived at their view; I can have the

knowledge that I may not be friends with everyone but must be willing to work with them

anyway. There is not one way to be an elected official but without the ability to put some

issues aside to allow others to rise to the top of the priority list, success is impossible. I

am struck by candidates in any election that promise to thwart their opponents, to upend

the status quo or to singlehandedly find a solution. That’s simply not how government

works - even a small government like ours in Rutherford. What amounts to the truth is

often quite subjective and I have to be able to see all truths in a situation to be an

effective public servant.

Bryan Hennessey, Republican Candidate for Council

TIR: What do you love most about living in Rutherford?

Bryan Hennessey (Republican candidate): I have a deep love for this tight-knit community because it’s where I was born and raised. As my campaign slogan says,  Rooted in Rutherford. You simply can’t beat Rutherford’s location: we’re close to the city, just a short drive from some of the best malls/shopping in the area, and surrounded by incredible food. It’s truly a little paradise of trees and charm. What makes Rutherford even more special are the people, our hometown heroes. From our dedicated teachers and police officers to our volunteer firefighters and EMS, this town thrives because of their commitment. The camaraderie, pride, and unwavering support that define Rutherford are unmatched.

TIR: How have you been involved in the community?

BH: I was born and raised in Rutherford, and this town has shaped who I am today. During my time at Rutherford High School, I was proud to participate in the Heroes and Cool Kids program and to be part of a football team that won back-to-back state championships at MetLife Stadium. After graduating from the University of Alabama, I knew I wanted to give back to the community that gave so much to me. That passion led me to run for County Committee, where I am currently serving a two-year term. Today, I’m focused on encouraging community involvement, especially among the next generation. Volunteerism is at an all-time low, and I want young people to know that if they’re looking for a place to start, local government and town politics are excellent ways to start and make an impact.

TIR: How do you plan to balance development and maintain the character of our community?

BH: I believe that thoughtful development can benefit our community, but overdevelopment is not the answer. Our property taxes are already too high, and excessive development only adds to that burden. We should not be granting tax breaks or incentives to trillion-dollar corporations or major developers. These decisions shift the financial load onto residents and small businesses, driving property taxes, and in turn, rent. Rutherford deserves balanced, responsible growth that protects our character, supports local families, and keeps our town affordable for everyone.

TIR: How will you ensure transparency and accessibility in local government decisions?  

BH: To ensure transparency in local government, we must continue recording and, where possible, live stream all council meetings. It’s equally important to maintain open, public meetings where residents can ask questions and receive direct answers. In short, we need clear and consistent communication, live streaming and recorded sessions, accessible opportunities for public engagement, and user-friendly ways for residents to stay informed and involved. Transparency builds trust, and trust strengthens our community.

TIR: In your opinion, what are THREE of the most important characteristics/ qualities of a successful council member?

BH: A successful council member should embody three characteristics: selflessness, transparency, and a commitment to the community’s quality of life. Selflessness means volunteering their time and energy for the betterment of the town, always putting the needs of residents first. Transparency is essential to maintaining trust. Open communication and accountability ensure that residents stay informed and engaged in local decisions. Finally, a true council member is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the quality of life for all residents, making sure Rutherford remains a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family.

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