Contested Oakland council primary race attracts two sets of Republican candidates

OAKLAND — Two sets of Republican candidates will compete for two three-year council seats in the June 4 primary election.

Council President Steven Saliani is seeking a second term, paired with newcomer running mate Carol Ann Rose under the Bergen County Republican Organization's "Republicans for Responsible Government" party slogan. Incumbent Councilwoman Jodi Goffredo, who was appointed to fill Eric Kulmala's unexpired council term when he was elected mayor, is not seeking a new term.

Running under the "Republicans for the People of Oakland" alternative slogan are Kerri Sirinides and James Folkerts. Ironically, Sirinides ran with Rose for the Borough Council as a Republican slate in 2022. They were defeated by Kevin Slasinski and John McCann.

More: Local contested Bergen County elections to watch in June

The winning Republican slate will face off in November against former Democratic Mayor Linda Schwager, who was defeated for a fourth term last November by Republican Kulmala by 21 votes.

After her defeat, Schwager said: "I'll be back." She is running with Andrea Levy uncontested as Democrats for the two council seats in the June primary.

Republicans for Responsible Government candidates

Steven Saliani, a 15-year resident, was elected to the Borough Council in 2021 and was elected council president in January 2023. He has previously served in a variety of volunteer capacities, including Oakland recreation commissioner for eight years, recreation coach from 2011 to 2016, Sports Association of Oakland board member, Oakland Fathers Club member and Great Oak Park Committee board member. He graduated from Seton Hall Prep High School and holds a bachelor's degree in marketing from York College. He is currently the director of executive management delivery for a global telecom solutions provider.

Carol Ann Rose is a lifelong Oakland resident. She is an Indian Hills High School graduate and holds an associate's degree in paralegal studies from Bergen Community College. She is a 30-year paralegal with Norgaard O’Boyle & Hannon bankruptcy attorneys in Englewood and serves as administrator for the New Beginnings Foundation, which assists low-income residents with financial needs. She is the recipient of the William J. Brennan Justice Award for securing greater and more equal justice for the disadvantaged. She is vice president of the Ramapo Mountain Lakes board, now attempting to resolve issues with 1,645 residents of the former summer housing enclave.

Republicans for the People of Oakland candidates

Kerri L. Sirinides, a 15-year resident, holds a bachelor's degree in art history from William Paterson University. She is a regional director of managed care with InfuCare Rx and a founding member and vice chair of Access for All, seeking better accommodations for borough residents with special needs.

James M. Folkerts, a 28-year resident, holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Fordham University. He recently retired after 40 years with IBM and UPS specializing in cybersecurity. He has served in a number of volunteer positions, including as chair of the Sports Association of Oakland and the Public Events Committee.

Democratic Committee of Bergen County

Linda Schwager, a 51-year resident, started professional life as a teacher in Brooklyn. After moving to Oakland in 1973, she earned a law degree from City University of New York, and she runs a practice in Oakland. She served three council terms as a Republican, starting in 1990. She became a Democrat in 2007 but lost her first mayoral bid to GOP incumbent John Szabo. She defeated Szabo for the first of three terms as mayor in 2011.

Andrea Levy is a Fort Lee High School graduate and a licensed professional real estate broker associate. She has served on the borough Planning Board since 2019 and in a number of volunteer capacities, including the Sustainable Oakland Green Team, Oakland Communications Commission, Chamber of Commerce and the Arts of Oakland Committee chair.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Oakland council primary race attracts two sets of GOP candidates