Community News from Elmwood Park, New Jersey • A4

TEAM! SADDLE BROOK Report on mayor causes controversy NICK MESSINASTAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Elmwood Park High School varsity cheerleaders and their coaches, Alexis Hayton and Veronica Alfonso, get together at the football team's recent game against Glen Rock. Glen Rock won the game, 43-12. to the council on the next business day, which happened to be Tuesday as a result of the holiday. "Saturday, town hall was closed; Sunday, town hall was closed; Monday, town hall was closed, due to Columbus Day," Rodriguez said. "How much sooner can it be? It was just the next business day." Halko, who is up for re-election, denied his statements about the matter were politically motivated.

"The document could have been given to us at any time," said Halko. "After obtaining the document, I also asked for a copy of the envelope, the proof is there that the document was received by the township on Oct. 9 at 10:30 in the morning and it was addressed to Council President Rodriguez and members of the council. Why the document was held for that long, I have concerns regarding that." Rodriguez responded to Halko's criticism. "When town hall is closed I'm not supposed to give the report to anyone else, not even myself, to make copies because I'm not supposed to do that.

It has to be done through the clerk's office," Rodriguez said. D'Arminio reacted to the council's turmoil by stating he did not act beyond his authority as chief operating officer of the township and that the investigation was politically motivated. "This whole investigative inquiry stinks," D'Arminio said. "It just stinks totally." Justin Zaremba's e-mail address is zarembanorthjersey.com BY JUSTIN ZAREMBA Staff Writer The Saddle Brook Township Council is looking for guidance from a retired judge to answer questions about the findings of an investigation of the mayor. In January, the council commissioned an investigation to determine the validity of allegations that Mayor Louis D'Arminio acted inappropriately when he bought more than $10,000 worth of technological equipment with funds from taxpayers and allowed two contractors to store equipment for free on township-owned property.

It is also alleged the mayor's exclusive use of a new police department car was improper. The council is currently embroiled in a dispute between Council President Omar Rodriguez and Councilman Anthony Halko over the length of time it took for Rodriguez to distribute copies of the investigation to the council. Halko, the lone Republican on the council, has stated repeatedly that Rodriguez did not distribute the paperwork in a timely manner. The council is set to meet with retired Superior Court Judge Thomas Rumana to talk about the guidelines for giving out the report. Rodriguez stated Township Clerk Peter Lo Dico handed him the findings in a manila envelope at the council meeting on Thursday night.

Rodriguez claims he did not examine the contents of the envelope until Friday afternoon. He added he delivered the papers Local groups: Fax news about your upcoming event to: 201-794-3259 or e-mail communitynewsnorth jersey.com BRUCE SCHOLZ 201-845-5660 Financial Freedom fS THE REVERSE MORTGAGE SPECIALIST! LZj HMMMIMMHMMMM A SUBSIDIARY OF CALL FOR A FREE HANDBOOK lender IndymacBank 2007 Registered tradeservice marks arc property of Financial Freedom Senior Funding Corporation, a Subsidiary of rdyMac Bank, F.S.B. 2006 Financial Freedom Senior Funding Corporation W264548-01 All unwanted GOLD SILVER COINS DIAMONDS COLLECTIBLES We Pay the HIGHEST PRICES! CELEBjRATING hewtage SELL NO WHICH INCLUDES ALLTHISU! Remove existing walls and fixtures New Ceramic tile on floor in tub area 24" medicine cabinet light New bath tub New toilet Resheet entire room Water-resistant sheetrock in tub area 24" vanity top Delta faucets Custom Baths 25 Years Of Experience mm 100's of Satisfied Customers www Fully Insured Licensed BREAKFAST, LESSON CAME ONLY $5.00 ALL SOCIAL NEWER BRIDGE PLAYERS INVITED ALLENDALE GUARDIAN ANGEL CHURCH 320 Franklin Tpke. Allendale (Corner of E. Allendale Ave.) www.bridge-njba.org i Sponsored by North Jersey Bridge Association An American Contract Bridge League affiliate BUYING 10K 14K 18K Gold Jewelry (OK if Broken) Platinum Silver Coins Sterling Silver Old U.S.

Currency Pocket Watches Coin Collections Americana Coin Exchange 217 Paterson East Rutherford NJ 1-800-777-2529 201-933-2000 Celebrating Our 31st Year in Business PHOTOLISA DEMAURO Saddle Brook Mayor Louis D'Arminio, UNICO National President Joseph Coccia Jr. and UNICO Saddle Brook Chapter President Phil Sergio get together for the recent celebration of Italian History Month..