Mike Devine Files Petitions To Run For Mahwah Mayor

MAHWAH, NJ — Mike Devine has filed petitions to run in the mayoral recall election in November.

Devine submitted 325 petitions to borough Clerk Kathy Coviello. Coviello's office is verifying the signature are valid. Of the 325, 177 need to be valid in order for Devine's name to be placed on the recall ballot.

Devine is one of two people who have publicly declared their candidacy for mayor. Frank Pallotta, a 30-year township resident and former Goldman Sachs staffer, is the other. (See related: Long-Time Mahwah Resident Frank Pallotta Running For Mayor)

Devine is a former sergeant with the United States Marine Corps. He helps run the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 7124 and coaches youth sports in town.

He was a tour commander at the Bergen County Bureau of Police Services and was the officer in charge of the Bergen County Police Academy. He oversaw the police training operations. He was also a SWAT team commander and oversaw all SWAT operations in Bergen County.

"I believe Mahwah is an amazing place to live. I will lead, along with the support of other town officials, with fairness, dedication, and honesty," Devine said. "The Township of Mahwah is and will always be my first priority without any other agenda."

The recall election is being held after a group of residents ran a recall campaign against Mayor William Laforet.

Laforet said he will not fight the recall in court and will go ahead with a recall vote. If the recall is approved, the winning candidate would immediate replace Laforet as mayor. (See related: Mahwah Mayor Not Fighting Recall In Court, Will Proceed With Vote)

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com

Photo courtesy of Devine for Mahwah