Tency Eason

Dwight HolmesORANGE - Dwight Holmes remembers the pride he felt playing football and running track for Orange High School. As mayor he would like to help restore that pride to a city reeling from scandal.

"I want Orange pride back in Orange," said the candidate. "When I was a kid it meant a lot to say you were an Orange Tornado."

His life-long history in Orange is important to the mayoral candidate. Forty-seven years old, he says he still holds the city schools' record for the 100-yard dash at 9.6 seconds.

 "Having a mayor who's actually from the town, that's something Orange hasn't had in a long time if ever," said Holmes. "I have a stake in this city. I've purchased a home. I plan on being here awhile."

In a battle to succeed Orange Mayor Mims HOrange Councilman Donald Pageackett, mayoral candidate Donald Page formally introduced his three council running mates at a reception in Verona last night.

"My friends – it is time for ‘A New Beginning,’" Page, an at-large councilman, told an audience at the Richfield Regency. "It is time to put an end to politics as usual. It is time to put an end to a city government that only works for special interests and political friends. It is time to do something about property taxes. It is time do something about crime."

The candidate, who last November announced his intentions to run for mayor, last night welcomed Rayfield Morton, Antoine "Tony" Desormes and Andrea Elliot as his running mates.

Orange mayoralCouncilman Ed Marable, Jr. candidate Eldridge Hawkins, Jr today received the endorsement of South Ward Councilman Edward Marable, Jr.

"After considerable thought and prayer, I have concluded that you are Orange’s best hope to restore pride, progress and professionalism in our city," Marable wrote in a letter to Hawkins, a West Orange police officer and son of former Assemblyman Eldridge Hawkins.

Hakwins is one of several people expressing an interest in succeeding embattled Mayor Mims Hackett, who faces federal corruption charges. Others who have picked up the paperwork that needs to be completed by March 20 as a pre-requisite to run in the May 13 race include Councilman Donald Page, Councilwoman Tency A. Eason and Council President Lisa Perkins.