WALDWICK - Something odd is afoot in this cozy Bergen County town of 10,000.

This is basically Republican terrain and the GOP holds all seven council seats. Two seats are up this year and with two incumbents not running, the Republican ticket consists of Nadia Luppino and Dr.

Charles Asta.

Nothing strange about that.

However, in the last week or so, Tom Giordano, the GOP mayor, and two other top Republicans in town have issued statements endorsing the Democratic council candidates. They are Angela Smith and Alyson Courtney Wingate.

Here's some of what the mayor said.

"Angela and Alyson are focused on making our streets safer by reviewing and improving existing programs - not by bringing in expensive outside consultants. They understand the importance of continuing to update our infrastructure and improve our water system.

Like many towns, we have an aging system that requires ongoing investment and collaboration with water professionals -  not political slogans or scare tactics.

By contrast, some have tried to label Waldwick as facing a 'water crisis.' That’s simply not true. Using buzzwords and fear only divides our community - it doesn’t solve anything.

At a meeting before the primary, one candidate said Waldwick needs 'more bougie stores' like other towns - and even 'a better group of people living here.' I found those comments deeply troubling and completely out of touch with who we are as a community. My wife and I never again attended a Waldwick Republican Committee meeting."

Also sending out endorsements of the Democrats were Councilman Andrew Brennecke and former Councilwoman Deb Dellavechia. who called the Dem candidates "rock stars and doers." (You might as well go all the way).

Here's a bit of what Brennecke had to say:

"I have long been a Republican because I believed the party would bring forth qualified candidates to serve our community.

Unfortunately, that is not the case this year. The Republican Party in Waldwick is fractured. Bringing nepotism and secrecy into local government is a mistake. As we face complex decisions that will affect every resident, it’s critical that our community becomes more engaged in the process."

It is not unusual in a "one-party town" for that party to be occasionally split. One can never ignore possible personality conflicts as well.

His backing of the Democratic council candidates, notwithstanding, Giordano is also supporting Jack Ciattarelli for governor.

The mayor said in a phone conversation that it's important not to stereotype candidates and to back those who will help the town.

Emails sent to Luppino and Asta seeking comment on the GOP defections have not yet been returned.

On their social media page, however, Luppino and Asta stress the support they are getting from their hometown legislative team in LD-39. That would be state Sen. Holly Schepisi and Assemblymen Robert Auth and John Azzariti. They are also backed by local GOP council members Michael Ritchie and Kathleen Cericola.

Issue-wise, the Republican candidates speak of addressing "our water quality crisis" and "revitalizing our downtown."

As for the beneficiaries of this party split - Democrats Smith and Courtney Wingate. They, not surprisingly, are thanking the Republicans for standing above partisan politics.

In case you are wondering, recent elections here have been rather close.

Ciattarelli carried the borough in 2021 and Donald Trump did last year. But by less than 300 votes each.