Blanusa Looks To Unseat Heck As Heights Mayor

Dragan Blanusa, Independent candidate for mayor, says he is not a politician, just a regular guy.

Blanusa, who has lived in Hasbrouck Heights for the past five years, seeks public office for the first time as an Independent candidate challenging current mayor Rose Heck.

Blanusa said his interest in public office began about two years ago when his mother was hit by a car at Franklin Avenue and Boulevard. She suffered a broken leg and it took months for her to recover.

He said he went to the governing body because he was concerned about safety and had suggested the installation of pedestrian walkway. He claims nothing was done.

Blanusa said he walks around town asking people what their concerns are, and that most people answer with 'taxes.'

"I feel there is a disconnection between citizens and government," he said. "The mayor may say they are doing a fine job but people still have problems."

He said he chose not to join either Democrat or Republican parties because he feels that it is just the same group of people running the show. Instead he is a member of the Constitution Party and serves as chairman for the county.

Blanusa said his family has history in the town. His wife Mary -- who is running for Council as a Democrat -- was born in Hasbrouck Heights, as was her father and grandfather. Their two sons are the fourth generation in Hasbrouck Heights and he said he hopes the fifth generation of their family will also be in Heights.

A business owner in Serbia, which he migrated, Blanusa said he also has a military background.

"In the U.S. I started from scratch to build a new life and support my family," he said. "I connect with the working people and understand the challenges they face. I am not disconnected from reality and will be a good choice to represent the interests to all the residents of Hasbrouck Heights.”

Blanusa is currently a truck driver and is currently studying to get his license to be a foreign exchange broker. He is a freemason and a member of the Euclid Masonic Lodge, where he is currently Senior Deacon.

Blanusa says he wants to be a “hands-on mayor” who makes sure that things get done. He wants to listen to people and see what the majority wants. 

“Some people are afraid to say something so I want to be the guy that people are not afraid to come to, to tell me what the problems is,” Blanusa says.

Mayor – four year term

Dragan Blanusa

Independent

Challenger

Republican

Incumbent

Council – three year term

Mary K. Blanusa

Democrat

Challenger

Justin DiPisa

Republican

Incumbent

Pamela Link

Republican

Incumbent

Carol Skiba

Independent

Challenger

Doris Tousto

Democrat

Challenger

Editor's note: In the days leading up to the election Patch will be featuring stories on all candidates running for municipal office. We begin today by featuring both candidates running for mayor. See Rose Heck article here. Stay tuned for profiles of council candidates.