Marlboro Councilwoman Switches Parties, Will Run as Democrat
Carol Mazzola will run to keep her seat this year as a Democrat.
Photos
The last sitting Republican on the Marlboro Town Council just changed her allegiances.
Councilwoman Carol Mazzola will campaign this year as a Democrat, leaving the Marlboro Republican Club with no currently elected officials.
Mazzola said her reason for leaving is "petty politics."
“They don’t even understand how the government works. They only see issues through politics and their personal animosities," Mazzola said in a news release. "It’s an easy decision to run with those that have Marlboro’s interests at heart rather than those who only see petty politics.”
Hornik and LaRocca ran for a second time and won on the same ticket and won their seats in 2011.
“Mayor Jon Hornik and Chairman LaRocca are doing phenomenal jobs,” Mazzola said in a news release. “It’s always people first with their team; not politics first. The Council is doing an excellent job and I feel very comfortable being part of their team. They have the best interests of Marlboro at heart.”
Mazzola is not the first Marlboro politician to change parties. Councilman Lt. Col. Jeff Cantor was previously a member of the Marlboro Republican Club.
“We have worked hard to move Marlboro in the right direction,” Hornik said in a news release. “Councilwoman Mazzola is right for our team.”
Mazzola said in the news release that the democratic council has "kept property taxes down and expanded services" as well as responded well to Hurricane Sandy.
“Carol has been a partner in moving Marlboro forward through difficult times,” LaRocca said. “I look forward to working with her for an even brighter future in Marlboro.”
Mazzola is the former president of the Kiwanis Club of Marlboro, a volunteer with the American Cancer Society and West Monmouth Cares. Mazzola is a realtor with Keller Williams.
Mazzola will run this year with Councilmen Scott Metzger and Cantor.
tom thornton
5:29 pm on Wednesday, January 16, 2013
I applaud Councilwoman Mazollas courageous act.
Mark Rosenwald
5:40 pm on Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Carol Mazolla has demonstrated that she is a leader and deserves the support of all Marlboro voters. she leads from the front and has my and my wife's full support.
She realizes that the local republican leadership does not have the best interests of the township foremost in their minds and is following her conscience .
Michael Mirkin
1:10 pm on Monday, January 21, 2013
I would not call Mrs. Mazolla a leader. A leader is someone takes charge and leads by by example of ones action or ones individual thought. This is not the case here. Over her first term Mrs. Mazolla did not exemplify any of these qualities but rather acquiesced and supported failed polices of the current administration. perhaps it is easy to obfuscate the truth to the uninformed or (majority) uncaring in this township but for those of us that take even a minimal interest Mrs. Mazolla "excuses" for the switch are boorish and self serving. Perhaps she also has realized b/c of her record she would not receive the same support she did 3 years ago.
Paul Schlaflin
5:40 pm on Wednesday, January 16, 2013
She's got my vote even if she doesn't like me...Good for Marlboro!
Captain Shital Rajan
6:30 pm on Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Councilwoman Mazzola, you are doing an excellent job in the interest of the residents of Marlboro. Marlboro is moving in the right direction with the current government. It's not about the political party, it's about having the right people in the government who care for the community. You certainly have demonstrated that you share this view. My very best wishes for the team of Councilman Lt. Col. Jeff Cantor, Councilman Dr. Scott Metzger, and Councilwoman Carol Mazzola.
(Captain Shital Rajan)
cynicinmarlboro
6:21 am on Thursday, January 17, 2013
I'm not saying she has done a good or bad job, but we all know it's just a way she can most likely keep her position on the council seeing how much sway the Democrats have in town while the Republicans don't have much of anything, And of course we are hearing already from the Democrats (and other party changers) jumping right on her bandwagon as they see a total Democratic council. Here's an idea. Run as an independent and that will tell you if the public thought you did a good job. Changing to the dominant party is the easy way and not much work for the campaign. That tells me she just wants to get re-elected easily and not based on her record, no matter what the other Democrats in town will say to the contrary. FYI - I am not a Republican and this is my opinion. I have the same opinion about any politician who switches parties to maintain their position.
Paul Schlaflin
10:07 am on Thursday, January 17, 2013
Perhaps you should start your day with a different drink...the vinegar just leaves you so bitter. Besides...didn't you move away months ago?
john alba
11:54 am on Thursday, January 17, 2013
You are correct once they get in office they become power hungry and don't want to leave office, it's not for the people, it's for themself. Horniks father did the same thing, ran as a rep, became a dem and before he passed away back to rep to get favors.
cynicinmarlboro
12:54 pm on Thursday, January 17, 2013
I like my balsamic very much, thank you. And no matter where I am it's all the same when you get down to it.
Just remember that a politician's objective is to get re-elected. Whether it's one in Washington pandering for lobbyist money to spend on a campaign or someone local looking to move to the party with more power and influence. The candidate might be the best person for the job, but it is all politics nonetheless.
Danielle Rownin
8:14 am on Thursday, January 17, 2013
Or perhaps her politics are to serve the people of Marlboro in the best way possible, regardless of party affiliation. She is a proven leader with an impeccable track record of doing what's in the best for the people of Marlboro, and has gone against her "affiliated party" to ensure that. This has nothing to do with personal gain and she has nothing to prove. Keep up the great work Councilwoman, you have true integrity and heart!
Danielle Rownin
8:15 am on Thursday, January 17, 2013
*best interest
Pat
11:33 am on Thursday, January 17, 2013
It’s always people first with their team; not politics first! God can you get more canned than this. What is next baby photos?
Christine
12:05 pm on Thursday, January 17, 2013
To those saying that she's doing it because of the sway the Dems have, I would point to when Carol Mazzola was first elected. She was the top vote getter that election, beating all candidates. I think she'd get the votes no matter what party she ran with.
http://nt.gmnews.com/news/2009-11-11/front_page/002.html
DAEBJ
7:50 am on Friday, January 18, 2013
I'm with u cynic!
Marlboro Independant
8:21 am on Friday, January 18, 2013
I agree with the opinion that if she had a problem with the party she should have run as an independent. I always thought one chooses a political party based on their core beliefs around fiscal issues, social government programs, etc. If she was once a Republican I would think switching to independent would be closer to conservative fiscal views of the Republican party. Gee let's see if Mazzola all the sudden starts to get more realestate sales in Marlboro...Ummm...I agree, we have to ask who she is really for, maybe herself and those sweet health benefits she gets as a Councilwomen??? Fyi I am an Independent with conservative fiscal views and more middle of the road on the social issues. This Democratic council is far from conservative fiscally, so I will be voting Republican, because I believe there should be checks and balances on the council, for the better good of the people!
anonymous
4:16 pm on Friday, January 18, 2013
The Repub. party in Marlboro is dead--stick a fork in em!!
Anonymous
1:20 am on Saturday, January 19, 2013
Carol Mazzola is as REAL AS THEY GET!!! She believes in what's right NOT and has everyone's best interest at heart.
Anonymous
1:22 am on Saturday, January 19, 2013
Mazzola believes in what's right and has everyone's best interest at heart!