Democratic Committee Looking for a New Nominee

Deputy Mayor Fred Profeta announced Tuesday night that , capping a nine-year career on the Maplewood Township Committee and opening the door for a new nominee.

Profeta, a Democrat, was poised to run for his fourth three-year term alongside Mayor Vic DeLuca who is also up for re-election. The party primary this June will be followed by a general election in November.

Members of the Maplewood Democratic Committee lauded Profeta's tenure during public comment at the meeting. Wayne Sullivan thanked Profeta for his years of service. "I thought he would shoot for the Grassmere record," Sullivan joked, referring to the legendary Republican mayor who held office for decades.

Democratic Committee Vice Chair Garnett Hall credited Profeta with getting her involved in civic life. "I know you have a lot of passion and a lot to give."

Finally, Ian Grodman, who served on the Township Committee as Vice Mayor to Profeta as Mayor, cited Profeta's "nine years of thoughtful, hardworking passion about this town."

Profeta, who was born and raised in Maplewood, graduating from Columbia High School and raising two children here with his wife Susan, said serving on the Committee was a lifelong dream of his. Profeta ran in 2002 on a platform of fiscal frugality while the town was in turmoil following a state-mandated property revaluation that brought citizens by the scores to Town Hall in protest.

As mayor, Profeta oversaw the planning and construction of the new police and municipal court building on Springfield Avenue — a project that brought him kudos and criticism as the project's price tag grew. Otherwise, Profeta is most closely identified with the Town's burgeoning environmental efforts and has gained statewide attention — and — as a founder of .

Now, the Maplewood Democratic Committee is re-issuing its call for candidates for nomination. Wrote Grodman in an email to Patch, "I am concerned that some may have not stepped forward as a result of the daunting prospect of competing against such exceptional candidates as Fred and Vic."

"We have always permitted nominations from the floor at our endorsement
meeting, currently scheduled for March 28," wrote Grodman. "I am hoping to get the word out that we would welcome anyone who wishes to be nominated that night." (Filing deadline for the primary election is April 12.)

Grodman asks that those interested send to a resume and letter of interest as soon as possible to igrodman@vag-grodman.com or me4tc@comcast.net.