Dems tap Pollando to run for mayor Thomas Pollando Buchanan, Misiewicz get party nomination for Boro Council seats BY MICHAEL ACKER Staff Writer Sayreville Borough Council President Thomas Pollando is expected to represent the Democrats this year in a bid to win the mayor's seat from Republican incumbent Kennedy O'Brien. Pollando was endorsed by the Sayreville Democratic Party, along with two Borough Council candidates - incumbent Daniel Buchanan and newcomer John Misiewicz, who is chairman of the Planning Board. Pollando and Buchanan were unopposed in seeking their party's nomination. Misiewicz was nominated in a 32-21 vote, ahead of Mary Novak. "I'm glad I won," Misiewicz said. "Now the candidates are chosen and the candidates have to work together to get elected." Misiewicz, if successful, would take over Pollando's council seat, which expires in December. Pollando is in his sixth year on the council. The Sayreville Republican Organization is currently screening for council candidates, according to the group's chairman, Ronald Green. He said O'Brien is expected to seek what would be his fourth four-year term as mayor. "That is going to be a very interesting election," Green told the Suburban, adding that the organization currently has five potential candidates being considered for the council seats. The Democrats currently hold all six seats on the council. A victory in the mayoral race would give the party complete control of the governing body. Misiewicz said he is excited about the possibilities in store for his party. "It is the first time in certainly a long time that it is possible that the governing body could be all Democrats from the mayor on down," he said. "The Democrats have shown, in the past few years, a definite leadership ability to accomplish goals in town." Misiewicz cited the ongoing construction of a new commuter parking lot on Raritan Street and the addition of a traffic light at the intersection of Ernston Road and Westminster Boulevard as some of the more visible accomplishments that the Democrats helped facilitate. "That is the kind of stuff that we are trying to do [to] improve the quality of life," he said. Misiewicz has been chairman of the Planning Board for four years and has been a member for seven. He has two children, 21-year-old Joshua and 17-year-old Matthew, with his wife Barbara. "I am active in the community, I have had a [chiropractic] practice here for 25 years. I lived in Sayreville all my life," Misiewicz said. "The issues [I am concerned about] are the planning and development of National Lead and other properties that have become available to be utilized, to make sure they're in the best interests of Sayreville." Pollando, 55, cited his experience as an executive in a large electrical contracting company, as a community activist and as a councilman. "We need to get Sayreville moving with a real plan and a vision for where we want our community to be," Pollando said. "Those are the ingredients for success, I learned as a businessperson. Those are the leadership skills I bring to the job of mayor." Pollando, who is also president of the Sayreville Athletic Association and the Morgan Lions Club, said the quality of life in Sayreville's future is at risk. A vocal critic of O'Brien, Pollando said the mayor has taken the borough in the wrong direction. The borough faces problems such as overdevelopment, rising property taxes and the loss of jobs, Pollando said. "It's time for new leadership," he said. "This isn't a personal battle - I like Kennedy O'Brien. But hasn't Mayor O'Brien had more than enough time to fix things after 11 years in office?" Buchanan, 31, is on the recreation board and is running for his second term as councilman. "I'm running to be part of a new team that will bring sound planning and make the tough decisions to move Sayreville forward," Buchanan said. Misiewicz said he is looking forward to the process ahead. "I would like to thank the committee for their support," Misiewicz said. "I look forward to working with Tom Pollando and Danny Buchanan in the upcoming election and meeting as many residents as possible to get them involved in the process."