The all-Republican face of Closter’s government could see a change in November if the Democratic candidates beat out Republican incumbents John Kashwick and Dr. David Barad.
As of April 7, Democrats Leonard Asch and Michael Kelly were registered to run for the two three-year seats that expire in December 2008.
The entire council has been Republican since Mayor Sophie Heymann defeated former Mayor Fred Pitofsky in 2007.
However, the candidates don’t think this is a partisan issue.
Asch, who is treasurer of Closter’s Democratic Club said the decision to run was not made for partisan reasons.
"My personal belief is that diversity in the constitution of the council with reference to personal background is more important than political affiliation," he wrote in an e-mail last week. "A well-rounded council comprised of thinkers, in my opinion, will best serve the borough."
Incumbent Barad said the candidates are all trying to do their best for the town and "whatever the public goes with is what should happen."
"I think John and I have done our best to do a good job and I hope [the public] appreciates it and if they don’t they [won’t vote for us]," said Barad. He said the fact that both he and Kashwick were Democrats in the past and their opponents were both previously Republicans, proves the issue is not about party lines.
"We are just people and we’re all trying to do the best for the town in our own way. I think so far this group has done a good job and I would love to have the chance to keep going but we’ll see what happens," he said.
