Democrat Accuses Council of Politicizing Ambulance Job

A registered Democrat has accused the Republican Council of denying him a job for political reasons.

Last week, the Council voted 4-1 against hiring Ace Antonio as an EMT for the Paramus Ambulance Corps.

Antonio had received recommendations from Office of Emergency Management Director Steve Mehl, Ambulance Corps Chief Linda Menhinick and EMS Program Coordinator Frank Ohlendorf for the $13 an hour job. He's worked on the Volunteer Ambulance Corps and is a certified EMT.

"I guess I need to switch parties to work in this Borough," Antonio said at last Tuesday's Mayor and Council meeting.

Councilman Eric Nazziola, the liaison to the Ambulance Corps, said his decision wasn't political, and told Antonio as much at the meeting. While Antonio qualified for the job on paper, Nazziola said he was worried that Antonio was trying to take on too much.

Antonio, 20, is a student at William Paterson University. He's also Chairman of the Fourth of July Committee, and a former member of the Board of Education.

Antonio in February, saying the time commitment required for serving was adversely affecting his studies.

"Ace, he's a 20-year-old student, and perhaps he's trying to be too much more than that too soon," Nazziola said.

The lone vote in favor of Antonio came from Councilman Alan Brundage, said he was swayed by the recommendations Antonio had received. He also praised Antonio for the job he did organizing the Borough's Fourth of July celebration.

"They had their reasons and I didn't agree," Brundage said of his fellow Council members.

Antonio said he would seek work with Ambulance Corps in nearby towns like Ridgewood, Saddle Brook, or the county Ambulance Corps. 

"I'm still a certified EMT and I'm looking to continue using my certification," Antonio said.