Belmar Elections 2022: Buccafusco Running For Mayor

BELMAR, NJ - Gerald "Jerry" Buccafusco, a 2021 candidate for Belmar Borough Council, will try his luck again in local politics in 2022. This time around, he’s vying for the mayor’s position. Read more: Recount Sought In Belmar Council Race With 15-Vote Difference

Maria Rondinaro and Mark Levis will be running for two contested seats on the Belmar Council. All three candidates are affiliated with the Belmar Democrats.

“Coming into this election cycle, we all knew that these were the three people we wanted to run and we are so excited that they agreed,” said John Walsh, chair of the Belmar Democrats. “All three people bring incredible talent, energy and passion for our community here in Belmar, and we think that they’ll help move Belmar in a positive direction.”

Buccafusco is a licensed attorney and served in the New Jersey judiciary for over 23 years. He’s been a Belmar summer resident for 60 years and full-time resident for seven. The candidate argues for a “more thoughtful approach to new development” and prevention of administrative overreach of eminent domain.

Last year wasn't Buccafusco's first try for a seat on the council, either. In 2020, Buccafusco also attempted to unseat Democrat councilman Thomas Brennan.

“I’m proud to run on the Democratic ticket for mayor,” said Buccafusco. “With the constant increases in taxes and other expenses that this Administration has pushed onto Belmar taxpayers, I believe my experience and commitment will help us move Belmar in a more positive direction.”

Rondinaro is a licensed clinical social worker, small business owner and community volunteer, having served as a Belmar Community Policing Block Captain. She also fundraises for the Friends of Belmar Library, volunteers for the Rescue Ridge Animal Shelter and is an active member of the Belmar Elementary PTO, according to a release.

She has also been noted for her work helping Belmar seniors find COVID-19 vaccination appointments and transportation, the release said.

“Unfortunately, this administration has done a poor job of communicating and working with the community. I’m out there every day, with different local groups, and they know that with me they have a leader who will listen,” said Rondinaro.

Levis is a Marine engineer and former lieutenant in the Navy Reserve. He also served as a Belmar councilmember in 2018. He also served as chairman of the Belmar Harbor Commission from 2015 to 2018.

During his time on council, he coordinated a pilot program with Rutgers University to test drones to assist lifeguards with water rescues, spearheaded the creation of the Belmar Parks Commission and “uncovered numerous failures within the sanitary sewer system,” the release said.

“There’s so much that needs to be accomplished in Belmar, but this Administration just isn’t moving the needle,” said Levis. “I’ve proven that I know how to get things done and so I’m running this time to get to work for our community, I know we can do better.”

Requests for other candidate filings from the municipal and county clerk’s offices were not returned as of Tuesday morning. The deadline to file for candidacy in New Jersey is April 4.

Stay tuned with Patch for more updates regarding the upcoming election.