NORTHFIELD — David Notaro is seeking re-election to the seat representing Ward 1 on City Council and is facing a challenge from community activist Joan Brennan.
Notaro, 53, a self-employed builder and landscaper who owns Notaro Construction and Landscaping, and his wife, Belinda, have a son and two daughters.
The 1989 graduate of Mainland Regional High School was a councilman from 2006-08 before being elected again in 2020. He previously served on the Planning Board as well.
Brennan, who graduated from Mainland Regional High School and and Atlantic County Technical School 1978, works as a market planning analyst with Sysco Corp.
She is a founding member and active participant in Northfield Neighborhood Watch, which she ran for year with former city police officer Dan Mitchell. Brennan said there is renewed interest in the organization
David Notaro
Notaro, who studied at Atlantic Cape Community College, said he currently is working with the engineer and the Public Works Department to “optimize taxpayer savings by enhancing sewer infrastructure.”
He said he prioritizing public safety and cost-consciousness in partnerships with EMS, fire and police departments.
Over his tenure, he said he has implemented several enhancements to city parks and fields, elevating the recreational experience.
Notaro said he also supports the needs of city children and volunteers who are active in directing local sports programs.
“Having spent my entire life in Northfield, my commitment is to ensure that our beloved community remains a safe and welcoming home for all. I find satisfaction in extending a helping hand to our residents, striving to assist them to the best of my abilities. My passion for serving Northfield is fueled by a deep love for our town and a desire to help it flourish,” Notaro said.
He believes his experience and business instinct have played a pivotal role in driving the city’s growth and prosperity.
“Over the past three years on the council, I have consistently demonstrated my ability to make informed decisions that benefit Northfield and its residents, and I am committed to continuing this initiative,” Notaro said. “My aim is to contribute to the ongoing success and development of our community, ensuring that Northfield thrives now and in the future.”
He said his knowledge spans various critical areas, including business, finance, construction and human relations.
“By drawing upon this background, I am dedicated to optimizing the efficiency, effectiveness and quality of services provided to our community while ensuring prudent fiscal management and sustainable growth for our city’s infrastructure,” Notaro said.
He said he expects inflation to continue being difficult for the city to handle.
“After witnessing a recent uptick in the year over year inflation rate, I sincerely believe that inflation will prove to be the biggest headwind for the city of Northfield as we proceed with the second half of the year,” he said. “Elevated costs may hamper the city’s initiatives in improving the overall well being of the city.”
Notaro said maintaining a responsible budget is imperative given the financial situation.
“Our city council has historically maintained a sensible financial plan, having endured high prices for almost two years, so the outlook on the second half of the year is optimistic,” he said.
Joan Brennan
Brennan is the daughter of Joyce Pullan, a longtime area historian and member of the Northfield Cultural Committee who passed away in 2020.
Like her mother, Brennan has been part of many organizations and events that benefit the city and its residents.
She has worked on the city’s National Night Out “to help promote public safety in our hometown,” and on the committee that organizes the annual July 4th Parade.
Brennan actively participated in the Northfield Cultural Committee and organizes the flea market for the Northfield Museum and Casto House to help preserve the town’s history.
She spearheading efforts to preserve the first Atlantic County graveyard and cemetery on Dolphin Avenue, where thousands of indigent poor people are buried.
Mayor Erland Chau said during a City Council meeting April 19, 2022, that he received a letter from Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson inviting city representatives to a meeting to discuss the possibility of a senior housing complex on county property, part of which served as a burial ground originally known as the Atlantic County Almshouse Cemetery and the Bakersville Cemetery.
It was used for people who could not afford a burial in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Many were patients at the neighboring asylum, which has since become county buildings.
“It is really not right that they are trying to use this property for something that is not intended to be built upon,” Brennan said of what is now known as the Atlantic County Burial Ground, between the county-owned Stillwater building fronting Shore Road and Meadowview nursing home.
Pullan, Roy Clark and Elanor Webb of the Cultural Committee compiled a book printed in 2018 with the names of 547 people buried in the field, but the true number is reportedly more than five times that.
Brennan also has volunteered with a local chefs association to support veterans and serve them in honor of Veterans Day with the annual Operation Serving Those who Served Us
Brennan’s philanthropy extends beyond Northfield, as she also raised funds for Community FoodBank of New Jersey, Southern Branch in Egg Harbor Township, to help fight food insecurity throughout the region.
Other races
Council President Tom Polistina is running unopposed in Ward II.
Four people are running for three seats on the Northfield Board of Education. Incumbents Christopher Kennedy and Ruben Garrido are joined in the race by Kelly Geary and Evelyn Perez.
Incumbents Kinjal Patel and Stephen F. Funk are running unopposed for two seats on the Mainland Regional High School Board of Education representing Northfield.
By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff