GLASSBORO Two Republicans and two Democrats are vying for two open council seats in the borough. The Times asked each one for biographical information, what they consider to be the three biggest issues in the borough and how they'd address them if elected.

Democrat incumbent George Cossabone Sr., 61, said his first priority will continue to be the stabilization of taxes for residents.

"For 16 years, I have fought for stabilization and will continue to do so by sharing and regionalizing services," said Cossabone, pointing to examples during his tenure such as joining the county library, dispatch and EMS which he said has saved taxpayers more than $1 million since. He also anticipates more savings when the borough transitions to the county regionalized tax assessment program.

"Non-essential spending was, and is, unacceptable," he said.

Cossabone is the superintendent of the Monroe Municipal Utilities Authority and lives in the borough with his wife, Linda. He has five children George Jr., Mary Anne, Frank, Rose Mary and Maria Lin and two grandchildren Isabella and Joey.

Cossabone is a member of the St. Anthony's Mutual Aid Society, Glassboro VFW Post 679 and Knights of Columbus. He formerly coached little league baseball and Glassboro parks and recreation micro mini soccer. He is also a member of the South Jersey Water Professionals Association.

Cossabone's other top priorities are the redevelopment of Rowan Boulevard and public safety and welfare.

"The Rowan Boulevard revitalization is a major step forward for the borough," said Cossabone. "I am proud that I have been a member of the team that is bringing this undertaking to completion.

Cossabone said that, as a councilman, he would continue to push for other cost-effective projects. He is also excited about efforts to reduce the borough crime rate.

"Residents and visitors to our community can feel safe and comfortable due to the steady decrease in the crime rate over the past eight years," said Cossabone. "I am proud to be part of a new initiative that has been implemented in the community known as a crime-free multi-housing program."

Democrat incumbent and current Council President Anthony Fiola, 51, said he also considers taxes, public safety and the borough's redevelopment among his highest priorities.

"Property taxes should always be the most important issue for elected municipal officials," said Fiola. "My overriding objective is to continually search for ways to maximize revenues and limit spending while continuing to provide superior services to Glassboro residents. Since every municipal government faces spending mandates from higher levels of government, one critical aspect in managing taxes is to seek new sources of revenue. In Glassboro we are achieving increased revenues through our Rowan Boulevard project."

Fiola said one example of the tax relief the Rowan Boulevard project would bring is that, in 2010, the tax revenue for the newly assessed student housing property will be approximately $525,000. Before redevelopment, that same property produced tax revenue of approximately $74,000. In addition, he said the redevelopment agreement with the private developer guarantees that the project has no negative tax effect on a year-to-year basis.

Fiola, who works as an attorney, is a charter member of the Glassboro Sunrise Rotary, a member of Main Street, Glassboro Board of Trustees and St. Anthony's Beneficial Society. Fiola is also a former Glassboro Little League baseball coach and parks and recreation soccer coach

He said he is proud of the borough's improvements in public safety, noting that during 2008, reported crimes in the borough decreased by nine percent.

"Our police department holds periodic crime prevention meetings to educate our residents in creating a safer community," said Fiola. "Our shared services agreement with Gloucester County Emergency Medical Services has reduced response time to medical emergencies and our council public safety committee, of which I am a member, will continue to work for increased public safety."

Republican candidate Tracie Sperratore, 55, said she plans to prioritize safety, transparency and spending if she is elected to a council seat.

"The high crime statistics in Glassboro are an improper reflection on the police department, which is currently under staffed with officers and police dogs," she said. "I will push to budget more resources to build a stronger police force so that all laws and ordinances can be effectively enforced, thus leading to an improvement in the quality of life for all Glassboro citizens."

Sperratore, the innkeeper of The Founders Inn Bed and Breakfast, lives in the borough with her husband John and has three children Tracie, Stephanie and Alex. She volunteers for the Main Street Glassboro promotions committee.

Sperratore believes transparency, bipartisanship and checks and balances are practically non-existent in the local government.

"I believe in God, I believe we live in the greatest country in the world, and I believe that we the people are the building blocks, the foundation, on which the community must stand," said Sperratore. "No one party should rule. I encourage people to get out and vote, become involved and stay involved. Together we can make Glassboro a better place for all the residents."

She also said property taxes have "spiraled out of control due to frivolous spending."

"I will push to make Glassboro more affordable by pushing to make the tough, but sensible cuts in local spending and salaries," said Sperratore. "I find it sad to hear many people say that they can no longer afford to live in Glassboro due to the high taxes and services. I believe in smart redevelopment where government provides a hand up instead of a hand out, and that every redevelopment project should provide direct tax relief to the taxpayers. I will lead by example, by donating my council stipend back to the taxpayers if I am elected."

Republican candidate Adam Szyfman, 29, wants to focus on public safety, redevelopment and the borough payroll.

"Glassboro has lost many officers due to attrition over the last few years and they have not been replaced," said Szyfman. "This should be a priority. The police department is being told there is no money in the budget for additional officers, but you have to question where the money went that was in the budget for the lost officers?"

Szyfman, who owns ACE Screen Printing & Embroidery, volunteers for Main Street Glassboro and donates apparel and embroidery services to various charities and non-profits. He said the Rowan Boulevard project could have a positive impact on the community if implemented correctly, but said he worries about the current procedure.

"The university and its staff and students are a major asset to Glassboro," said Szyfman. "However, the borough has a history of failed redevelopment projects because of misspending and mismanagement. Those making large campaign contributions are receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars in no-bid work, which makes you question if the borough is getting the best deal on services."

He said a referendum should have been held to get the public's opinion on Rowan Boulevard, and that future projects need to be "assessed and taxed fairly" to help the taxpayers.

"I believe the 30-year tax abatement, given on the (Rowan Boulevard student apartments) or for any redevelopment project is excessive and an unfair burden for the taxpayers of Glassboro," he said.

Szyfman also said he thinks that borough spending is excessive, pointing to $10.5 million spent on payroll.

"Here are many employees with multiple positions, salaries, and there is no representation on council to stop this town from a never-ending tailspin of tax increases," he said.

If elected, he also plans to donate his council stipend back to the taxpayers as well as provide more information on the borough's Web site.