NORWOOD -- Three Republican council members are vying to replace Mayor Michael Kaplan when he steps down next month to take an appointment as a federal bankruptcy judge for the district of New Jersey.

The candidates, who will lay out their agendas to the Republican Organization Board on Thursday, are Barry Scott, Dolores Senatore and Jim Barsa.

The board, which has 30 days to make a recommendation to the council, will vote on a candidate after Kaplan's last day on Sept. 6.

Until the council selects a mayor, Council President Anthony Guercio will act as mayor.

Kaplan's term would have expired on Dec. 31, 2007. His replacement can run for a full mayoral term next November.

All the candidates said they hope to continue the progress made over the past few years.

Senatore, a CPA who is serving her third term, has been a strong advocate for downtown beautification. Among her goals are the creation of another senior housing complex, as well as additional sports fields and a new senior citizen's center.

Senatore is confident that she can take on the mayorship. "I've been on the council for eight years," she said. "I know what's going on in town and I want to see Norwood continue to grow the way it's been growing. I want to make a difference in the way the town looks. Men don't see it the way women do."

Barsa, an insurance and financial services representative in Norwood, is serving his first term. He has worked as finance chair and has launched a committee to explore the possibilities of a new senior housing project.

Barsa said that he'd be ideal for the mayoral seat because he's a good leader. Another strong attribute, he said, is that "professionally, I help people with their financial needs. I work well with people in helping them resolve problems." He said he hopes to continue with the council's plans for downtown beautification.

Scott, who served one term on the council 20 years ago and is now serving his second term, did not return The Record's calls seeking comment.

Kaplan said that the borough can't go wrong with any of the candidates. "All of them are well-qualified. Each of them brings a different focus for the community."

Scott, he said, looks at environmental issues while "Dolores addresses finances and property taxes, and Barsa looks to enhance the community with respect to recreation and education."

Kaplan, who announced his resignation in June, will remain in office until he is sworn in. He must undergo an FBI background check, which will be completed in about a month, he said.

His last council meeting as mayor will be Sept. 5. He said his departure will be bittersweet.

"It's been 10 years of working towards doing what we can for the community and it's hard to leave something that's a big part of your life."

Kaplan was elected mayor in 2003 and served two terms on the council in 1996 and 2000.

Federal judges are prohibited from holding public office.

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By DEENA YELLIN
STAFF WRITER
E-mail: yellin@northjersey.com

Copyright © 2006 North Jersey Media Group Inc.