2 Verona Town Council Candidates Throw Hats Into Ring

VERONA, NJ — A West Point graduate and a longtime Verona councilman will be on the local ballot on May 14.

Last week, Deputy Mayor Michael Nochimson announced he’s running for re-election to the Verona Town Council in 2019. His term expires June 30.

In addition, John Fio Rito, a Verona resident, local business owner and graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, will also be running for a council seat.

Learn more about both candidates below.

MICHAEL NOCHIMSON

According to Nochimson’s website, he and his wife Kimberly, a local kindergarten teacher, have lived in Verona for eighteen years, and have volunteered for numerous community organizations and coached youth sports teams, while raising their two daughters.

His campaign platform includes:

• Fiscal responsibility
• Responsible Development
• Increased Recreational Programs
• Investment in Infrastructure
• Improved Public Safety
• Preservation of Open Space

"Over the last eight years, I’ve worked to make Verona better for all of our families, through sound advice, good judgment, and a vision for our future. I'm proud of the record we've achieved, including reducing overtime, increasing services, making our government more efficient and expanding programs for all residents. I am dedicated to continually improving our community, which is why I've decided to run for another term. I look forward to making my case for re-election over the next two months, and with the support of our community, I am confident that we will continue to make Verona a great place to live, work, and raise a family.”

Learn more about his campaign here.

JOHN FIO RITO

According to a news release from his campaign, Fio Rito is a Verona resident, local business owner and military veteran.

His campaign stated:

“John graduated from West Point and served nearly 15 years in the United States Army including deployments to both the Middle East and the Balkans, as well as being stationed in Germany. After leaving the military, John created Point Capital Development, a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, which develops and manages real estate investments, primarily in Jersey City.”

He and his wife, Kim, moved to Verona 10 years ago to raise their two daughters.

His campaign stated:

“Recently, John became a local small business owner, purchasing the former Piano Warehouse at 776 Bloomfield Avenue. He’s converting it into a local self-storage facility demonstrating how using vision and expertise can re-purpose a blighted, dilapidated warehouse into an economic driver that provides a needed service while having virtually zero impact on the town’s resources… Just like he did at 776 Bloomfield Ave, John will promote responsible development in the commercial corridor to enhance downtown business activity while protecting our residential neighborhoods from commercial encroachment and high-density residential development.”

“The challenges we face as neighbors are rarely partisan,” Fio Rito said.

“In its most simple form, the role of municipal government is to provide basic services and organization to the community it serves,” Fio Rito said. “I’m running for Township Council because, as a veteran, small business owner, and father of two young children, I know how important it is to ensure we preserve and enhance the great quality of life we have in Verona through deliberative and responsible decision making. As councilman, I will always put the needs of our community before politics.”

Learn more about his campaign here.

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