(Wayne, NJ ) Political newcomer Frank Pietropaolo of Wayne and his running mates on the Passaic County Regular Republican line swept to victory in today’s Republican Primary Election and are looking forward to breaking the Democratic stranglehold on county government in November.

Pietropaolo, 40, is running for freeholder with Gary Passenti of Clifton and Lori Mambelli of Totowa. Ron Fava of Clifton is running for Passaic County Clerk on the PCRRO line.

“On behalf of my runningmates I want to thank everyone who supported us and to let them know that we are going to be a very active group of candidates and our mission is to win in November, ” said Pietropaolo.

Pietropaolo – a construction manager – said his first run for political office is motivated by the county’s incessant spending and disregard for working people.

“Like most working people, I am a victim of politics. I work hard and watch the government take more of my paycheck every year. I’m tired of being a victim and I am running for my family and all the working families who have been victimized by the Democrats, who have been in charge of our county government for too long,” said Pietropaolo, the father of two young children.

Pietropaolo said, although he is new to politics, he is prepared for the rough and tumble campaign battle that lies ahead. “I know the Democrats are not going to give up power easily and they will use every trick in their bag to try to defeat us. But I am ready for a street fight if that’s what it takes to win.”

“The one thing the Democrats can’t hide from is the truth. And the truth about their regime is ugly. They raised taxes for 17 of the past 18 years; they have run up an enormous debt that costs taxpayers more than $52 million a year. They made Passaic County one of the highest taxed counties in the nation. Yet, all they talk about is spending more money,” said Pietropaolo.

“Our team represents a viable alternative to years of the Democrats’ recklessness with taxpayer dollars. We will end needless spending and introduce a foreign concept to county government — it’s called financial responsibility and accountability, ” added Pietropaolo.

“We will still fund parks and schools, but we will demand efficiency from government and we will always be mindful that our first obligation is to the taxpayers and to the elderly and those who truly need government assistance,” concluded Pietropaolo.