Mike Vernotico To Run For Mayor As Independent

Councilman Mike Vernotico announced his intent to run for Mayor of Summit as an Independent.

"I am not my first choice for Mayor, Jordan Glatt is," he said in a press release. "I tried several times to get him to run for re-election.  I understand though that after 10 years of dedicated service, he needs a respite.  He has a great family and public office is at times more taxing on the family than on the elected official.”

Vernotico is a two term councilman in Ward II. He was defeated as the Republican nominee for Ward II at the earlier this month. In order to get on the ballot for Mayor, a candidate needs 100 signatures on a nominating petition.  Any Summit registered voter can sign.  The petition must be filed in Elizabeth anytime before 4 p.m. of the day of the primary.
 
“The Summit voter is an independent thinker," Vernotico said. "They have repeatedly shown that. They consistently choose the character and quality of a candidate over partisan politics. Here in Summit, we always, always put people over politicians. In 2008,  the Democratic Presidential candidate carried Ward 2 by 250 votes and I won Ward 2 by 350 votes as a Republican.  Quite frankly, I am disturbed that partisan power politics is on the increase here in Summit.  That needs to an end.  Candidates need to need to be elected by the people of Summit, not selected by party officials.”

Vernotico's uncle moved to Summit in the early 1950s. Then, his uncle subdivided his lot and Vernotico's father built a house on Lafayette Avenue in 1958.

“One option would be to simply walk away,” said Vernotico, “but there simply is too much going on now for me to abandon my community.  I love this town."

Councilman Vernotico was graduated from Summit High in 1964, the first junior class in the 'new high school' on Kent Place Boulevard.

"I am still proud to this day that we were Summit High’s first undefeated, untied football team and legendary coach Howie Anderson’s first state championship team," he said.

Vernotico went on to Princeton University where he graduated with an engineering degree. He married his wife Joanne 40 years ago at St.  Teresa of Avila and has been active in coaching youth sports for 15 years and most recently started a flag football program for special needs children.

Verntocio said he plans to campaign on the following platform:

1. It is only about Summit all the time. There is no place for personal political agendas.
2. The sanctity and character of our individual neighborhoods make Summit “Summit” and that needs to be respected in our decisions affecting our future.
3. There is never a wrong time to do the right thing. We must have complete transparency in our Mayor and Council and we must have the courage and conviction to make that happen. 

Vernotico also put out a call to resident for help and support. 

"Please contact me at 908-918-1199 or michael.landmark@hotmail.com.  After all, this election is about you and your family, not me.”