Hillside sources say it is very likely Second Ward Councilwoman Shelley Bates will enter the race for mayor as an independent Democrat in a growing field that already includes a pair of system-bucking candidates: real estate agent Joe Menza and School Board member Andre Daniels. Read more

Hillside mayoral candidate Joseph Menza unveiled his campaign headquarters on Long Avenue this weekend and introduced his at-large council slate.

Running on Menza’s ticket are George Cook, Joe Pugliese and Jean Miller.

Cook was a school board candidate last year affiliated with Andre Daniels, who is also running for mayor with a full council slate.

Puglise ran with Menza in the council ward elections two years ago. Puglise lost to 3rd Ward Councilman John Kulish by four votes.

Miller, who Menza says has lived in Hillside since 1980, is new to Hillside politics. She is retired and wants to focus on senior citizens issues, Menza said.

So far, Menza and Daniels are the only two candidates who have declared their candidacies in what’s shaping up to be a crowded race for mayor.

Councilman-at-large Jerome Jewell has all-but officially announced his run. Second Ward Councilwoman Shelley-Ann Bates has been circulating nominating petitions but has not yet made any public statement about her intentions. Political observers doubt Mayor Karen McCoy-Oliver will jump in the ring.

The Hillsider will profile all candidates in the township election. Stay tuned.