Mayor, council thank Pollando, Buchanan Politics put aside as officials reflect on service to Sayreville BY MICHAEL ACKER Staff Writer The governing body bid farewell this month to two Democrats who have played a major role on the Sayreville Borough Council in recent years. "When we're up here, we need to do what's best for the people of Sayreville, no matter how hard it is." - Daniel Buchanan Thomas Pollando, a six-year council member and its current president, and Daniel Buchanan, finishing three years on the council, were both recognized Dec. 10 for their service. Two Republicans will take over their spots when the council reorganizes Jan. 1. Buchanan said he is glad that another young council member under the age of 35 will take his place on the dais, referring to David Kaiserman, who was elected Nov. 6 along with fellow Republicans Paula Siarkiewicz and incumbent Mayor Kennedy O'Brien. Pollando said he appreciated O'Brien, despite the differences the two have had on various issues in recent years. Pollando and O'Brien have directed much criticism toward each other's policies, especially during the past year, when Pollando unsuccessfully ran against O'Brien for mayor. "To the residents, I'll miss you, but it's time to move on, move forward, and that's what I'm going to do." - Thomas Pollando Pollando also wished Kaiserman and Siarkiewicz good luck. "There's no bad people up here," Pollando said, "there's only good people." O'Brien handed plaques to Buchanan and Pollando for their service to the borough and thanked themfor the time they devoted.He described Pollando's two terms on the council as "six very full years." "I'll miss you here," O'Brien said, "but I will certainly thank God that Sayreville is a small town." Buchanan, who also served on the recreation board, thanked municipal employees, professionals and fellow officials. He described his three-year termwith the governing body as productive and fun. "Three years passed by quickly," he said. Buchanan mentioned several accomplishments that he was proud to be a part of, including the opening of the borough's dog park, the expansion of recreation programs, and the passage of an ordinance prohibiting smoking near recreational events involving children. Buchanan thanked Borough Attorney Brian Hak, of Weiner Lesniak LLP, whose billing was criticized by Republicans as being expensive. Buchanan said that Hak regularly provided the councilwith answers to their questions on the borough's numerous litigation files. "It's not typical for an attorney to explain how he cut costs," Buchanan said. Pollando also offered words of thanks and sympathy to Hak. "Brian, it's not easy, but I know you're here doing the right things," Pollando said. Buchanan also thanked the Sayreville Democratic Organization, specifically state Assemblyman John S. Wisniewski, who is chairman of the local Democratic Party. "Your efforts were second to none," Buchanan said. Buchanan offered words of appreciation to his running mate. "I would like to thank Tom Pollando for running withme both times andmentoring me," he said. "The residents would truly be lost without Tom on the council." "When we're up here," he added, "we need to do what's best for the people of Sayreville, no matter how hard it is." Buchanan also expressed gratitude for residents who regularly attend meetings and are active in the community. "I wish more people would do the same and come out," he said. Buchanan, who recognized his wife, Michelle, his daughter Kayla and other family members in the audience at the meeting, also acknowledged O'Brien. "Mayor, thank you for all of your help the last three years," Buchanan said. Pollando thanked fellow council members for their support, adding that he has no regrets with the way he has led the sixmember body. He also expressed gratitude to the borough's professionals as well as to the residents. "To the residents, I'll miss you, but it's time to move on, move forward, and that's what I'm going to do," Pollando said. "I will stay active in the Democratic Party." Pollando said he will also remain active in the Sayreville Athletic Association and the Lions Club. "I'mlooking forward to reading everyone else's names in the paper," he said. "… Thank you very much for the six years." Councilman Dennis Grobelny lauded Buchanan, citing his contributions to the recreation department and the Fourth of July celebration. " 'Thank you' just doesn't seem to be enough," Grobelny said. "Now we have one of the best recreation departments in the county. "You really created a sense of community," he added. "We're really going tomiss you, and I hope you will come back." Grobelny said it was a pleasure working with Pollando over the past five years, which include what he described as "rough times" toward the beginning of his service on the council. "Some of the things you have done for Sayreville, nobody ever knows," Grobelny said to Pollando. "That's the way you are. "I gained a friend during the years you served up here, and I am really going to miss you," Grobelny added. Councilman Stanley Drwal said he hopes that Buchanan and Pollando continue to serve the borough. "Both of you are good men," Drwal said. "Sometimes true leaders never get the true recognition. Sometimes as a leader, you have to know you did the right thing. I'm hoping you hang in there and keep working for the betterment of Sayreville." Councilman Rory Zach thanked the two outgoing members for their leadership and friendship. "Sayreville is losing two fantastic elected officials who put their hearts into everything they did," Zach said. Councilwoman Kathy Makowski, who was absent from the Dec. 10 meeting, offered words of appreciation to the councilmen at the Nov. 19 council meeting. "From the bottom of my heart, I know you led this town into a new direction, and it is a positive direction," she said.