A Democrat has filed to run against Mayor Albert Akerman in the upcoming elections. Gary Schivone, a retired NY City Transit Officer, was nominated by the Lakewood Democratic Party as the candidate to run against the Republican Mayor running for re-election. The deadline to file was April 1.
Longtime Democratic Committeeman Ray Coles says Schivone never served in public office, though he had contemplated running against Chris Smith for Congress several years ago. But being emplyed by an agency which received federal funding, prevented him from doing so.
Schivone, 57, has moved to Lakewood about 3-4 years ago, according to Coles, and resides in the Original Leisure Village.
Mayor Akerman is still serving in his first three-year term as a Committeeman.
Deputy Mayor Steven Langert is up for re-election next year.
The Primaries are June 4, and the General Elections November 5. TLS.
While I respect everyone’s right to run for office, I have been very impressed with Mr. Akerman as our Mayor. He has proven himself to be a man of integrity, one who reaches out to everyone with compassion but who is also not afraid to face down the issues that confront our town. My early vote goes to Mr. Akerman so that he can continue to bring his novel ideas to fruition for our township.
Why do we only hear about the deadline to file AFTER the deadline has already passed? It might give some new faces a chance to file if they are made aware of an approaching deadline. We get several reminders when the deadline approaches to register to vote……this should be the same.
I like Ike!
Ooooh, Akerman vs Schivone, eh ? This is gonna be nailbiter. Not. Yawn. Akerman will win in a landslide. & we all know it.
Hey Frank, do you want a person that wants to run for public office and doesn’t care enough to find out when to file. If you have to hold the person’s had to get the job who will hold it if they get the job. That type of person would do nothing but collect the benefits..
Frank, Do you expect everything in life to be spoon fed without you having to do an ounce of effort. Why would anyone want a candidate who expects others to notify them when the deadline is. There is no parallel to when the public is reminded of the deadline to register, since your average private citizen who is not involved in politics and is asked to partake in elections is not very familiar in the political process.
As for Albert Akerman, perhaps the best thing since sliced bread.
I think RG3 – DB4 should run for township committee.
You are absolutely on target!
As the major news outlet in New Jersey, the Lakewood Scoop was negligent in failing to announce the deadline for filing for office. I imagine that because the Scoop was remiss in announcing it, Reuters and Associated Press will also have missed that news.
Maybe the legislature can pass a bill to reopen the filing window because of this grievous oversight.
Most of all, I think we should launch an investigation to find out how Mayor Akerman heard about the filing deadline, since it wasn’t posted on the Scoop.
RG3 – DB4 aka Mesameach Rules aka jog a thon rules for Mayor!!
I have to agree with #1. Lakewood needs young independent thinkers like Mr. Akerman. Actually, we need three more independents like Isaac. I will leave the independent thinker to you ??