Poll: Will Valley Hospital Issue Determine the Election?

What matters most to you when you head to the polls to determine the village's municipal officials on May 8?

As expected, some believe the upcoming election will be a referendum on Valley Hospital. The to allow a 100 percent expansion of the hospital, but the planning board's ordinance still exists. In other words, a future council could absolutely pick it up and reverse direction.

At this point, we know where the six candidates for three open seats stand – and candidate Jane Shinozuka have opposed the expansion efforts of the East Side hospital. and have expressed support for a more modern facility while candidate from any votes.

Pucciarelli himself has said he hopes Valley won't be the deciding factor in May, but recent election results may demonstrate quite an important trend.

With (CRR), this past spring, the lead vote getter with wide support in the districts near the hospital. 

Councilman Steve Wellinghorst, during the election but was thought by many to oppose it, by a comfortable margin.

In fact, CRR's endorsed candidates have yet to taste defeat.

Killion, Aronsohn, in previous years. All have opposed the hospital's expansion plans.

The most interesting scenario would be Forenza, Hauck and Pucciarelli being elected. This would set up a deadlock with two votes likely in favor of expansion (Forenza and Hauck), two likely to be strongly opposed (Walsh and Riche) and an abstention (Pucciarelli).

The Valley expansion question is undoubtedly Ridgewood's most divisive issue, but by no means the only one of consequence.

How can the ? Can Ridgewood's fiscal house be brought to order? Municipal , can they be brought down without eliminating services/response ? Can be addressed?

So, residents of Ridgewood: will the candidates' respective stands on Valley Hospital's expansion goals ultimately be the reason you choose them? If not, what is the biggest issue in your mind?

Take our polls below.