July 4th Greeting

Happy Birthday, America! God's blessings on our nation, on you and your family. I especially thank you for your support of my campaign this year! All the best!

-Blase Billack

Pearl Harbor Day, Remembered

Today marks the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. On that fateful day, 2,388 Americans died and an additional 1,178 people were wounded. Many of us are too young to have known any of these people, but today I ask you to join me in remembering them by taking a moment of silence. Their bravery and sacrifice can never be measured. May their souls rest in peace.

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/45567513/?ocid=ansmsnbc11

Concession Letter

Dear Residents of Clifton,

Last night the voters of the great City of Clifton came together to elect their new School Board members. I congratulate Judy Bassford, Lucy Danny and Arlene Agresti on their respective victories. Clifton is in good hands.

Running for office, which is definitely not easy, is much easier than winning. It would have been an honor to serve the community. Perhaps such an honor will one day present itself.

There are so many people to thank for this campaign— my family, my relentless team, my running mates Paul and Rosemary, all the members of both the Republican and Democratic parties who came together to work on this nonpartisan election, all of the 1,626 voters who believed in me, and all of the residents who I met going door to door!!

So, new School Board, I urge you all to do what’s right for the stakeholders in the Clifton school system- the students, the taxpayers and the teachers. Be fair. Be reasonable.

Good luck!

-BB, April 28, 2011

Campaign Update: Tuesday, April 26, 2011 (PM)

Just got back from going door to door on Greenlawn Ave in Clifton. It was nice to meet you all. Thank you for your comments!!

Campaign Update: Saturday, April 23, 2011

After the rain let up, I hit the campaign trail. Today's journey brought me to McCosh Rd, Van Riper Ave and Seger Ave. Nice to meet so many Cliftonites! Please remember to vote in Wednesday's School Board Election!!

Campaign Update: Friday, April 22, 2011

Last night the Dutch Hill Residents Association held a candidate's night. Thank you for hosting us. It was a great opportunity to speak to the people of Clifton.

Science is a big word these days. I am a scientist. Elect a scientist to the Board and brighter days are ahead!

Please vote for me and my running mates, Paul Graupe and Rosemary Pino on School Board Election Day!!

Campaign Update: Monday, April 18, 2011 (PM)

Just got back from my running mate's fundraiser! Great job!!
To see the event CLICK HERE.

Un evento excelente! Votando por 2, 4 y 7 en la Junta Escolar del día de las elecciones a 27 de abril 2011!!

Campaign Update: Saturday, April 17, 2011

Today was a blast! It was great to meet some of the parents of the Clifton at the soccer fields and speak with them on the issues. Despite the wet and rainy afternoon, the youth soccer league was energetic and excited. Thanks again!!

Campaign Update: Friday, April 15, 2011

Sincere thanks to all those who attended the campaign fundraiser last night. Your time and presence there was truly appreciated!! We are less than two weeks until the School Board Election. Please vote 2 4 & 7 on Election Day!!

Campaign Update: Sunday, April 10, 2011

Today my team and I spent the day putting up signs and speaking with people around the City. A big "HELLO" to everyone and a special thanks for having our signs out on your your lawn! Please remember to vote 2, 4 and 7 on School Board Election Day! That's easy to remember as 24/7. Best wishes!

Campaign Update: Saturday, April 9, 2011 (PM)

Just got home from the opening of the Clifton Little League at Chelsea Park. It was great to see so many kids and their families. I especially thank those of you who took time out to speak with me about issues involving education. I am so glad that Clifton has this Little League program. The kids of this City love it. I look forward to a spring and summer filled with fun baseball. Have fun! Play ball!

Campaign Update: Friday, April 8, 2011

Today my fellow candidates and I were present at the live taping of the "Ballot Box." It was definitely a unique experience, with lights, cameras and action! I have a new appreciation for live television! Please consider voting for me (#7) and my running mates (#2 and #4) on Election Day!

Some additional information concerning candidate #7!

Some people have started to ask about my qualifications. I am a university professor and a toxicologist. One of my goals is to motivate students to pursue courses that interest them. I have expertise in science, which would be a unique asset to Clifton's BOE. I am also aware that there are many other worthy areas of investigation- trades, technical concepts, music, liberal arts, etc. My message to the students is simple. FIND YOUR PASSION, GET INVOLVED AND DO MORE THAN THE MINIMUM!!

EDUCATION
1991-1995; B.S. in Chemistry, University of Richmond, Richmond, VA USA
1995-2001; Ph.D. in Toxicology, Rutgers University
2001-2003; Postdoctoral Fellowship, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY USA.

AWARDS
2005; Professor of the Year. Awarded by the Student Government of St. John’s University on behalf of the students of the College of Pharmacy and Allied Professions.


RECENT PUBLICATIONS

Carvalho, M.A., Pino, M.A., Karchin, R., Godinho-Netto, M., Mesquita, R.D., Rodarte, R.S., Vaz, D.C., Monteiro, V.A., Manuokian, S., Colombo, M., Ripamonti, C., Rosenquist, R., Suthers, G., Borg, A., Radice, P., Grist, S.A., Monteiro, A.N.A. and B. Billack (2009) Analysis of missense, frameshift, and splicing variants of BRCA1. Mutation Research: Fundamental and Molecular Mechanisms of Mutagenesis, 660:1-11.

Billack, B. Santoro, M. and C. Lau-Cam (2009). Growth inhibitory action of ebselen on fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans: role of the plasma membrane H+-ATPase. Microbial Drug Resistance, 15: 77-83

Tulchin, N., Chambon, M., Juan, G., Dikman, S., Strauchen, J., Ornstein, L., Billack, B., Woods, N.T. and A.N. Monteiro (2010). BRCA1 protein and nucleolin colocalize in breast carcinoma tissue and cancer cell lines. American Journal of Pathology, 176:1203-1214.

Patel, P.D., Patel, M.R., Kocsis, B., Kocsis, E., Graham, S.M., Warren, A.R., Nicholson, S.M., Billack, B., Fronczek, F.R. and T.T. Talele (2010). Design, synthesis and determination of antifungal activity of 5(6)-substituted benzotriazoles. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 45:2214-2222.

Billack, B., Piętka-Ottlik, M., Santoro, M., Nicholson, S., Młochowski, J. and C. Lau-Cam (2010). Evaluation of the antifungal activity of two ebselen analogs: inhibition of the yeast plasma membrane H+-ATPase. Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and Medicinal Chemistry, 25:312-317.

NOTE: all of the publications from my lab include student authors. STUDENTS ARE THE FUTURE! =)

Campaign Update: Wednesday, April 6th, 2011

Tonight I attended and spoke at the Clifton BOE meeting. It was great to see some of the other candidates there too. Please note that I am the only scientist running. Your science is safe with me. =) Please remember to vote on April 27th! It's a Wednesday election.. and polls are open from 1.30 PM to 9 PM. Please email me at: blasebillack@yahoo.com if you have any questions! Be well!

Campaign Update: Tuesday, April 5th, 2011

Tonight I was on baby duty. My daughter and I attended the City Council Meeting. It was great to see everyone and she was happy to finally see where her daddy goes after work. Best wishes to all!

Campaign Update: Sunday, April 3, 2011 (3 PM)

Just got back from a Voter Registration Drive which was held in the Botany Village Pathmark. Many thanks to those of you who came by our table to register! Voting is the hallmark of our society. Treasure the privilege and be an informed voter!

Campaign Update: Saturday, April 2, 2011 (7 PM)

This afternoon, my family and I did some door-to-door campaigning around town. Despite the cold wind, I met some very warm people with great ideas and suggestions. A great big "HELLO" to the people I met on Paulison Ave, Brighton Rd and Robin Hood Rd!!

Campaign Update: April 2, 2011 (1 PM)

It was a great day for Clifton. To read about it, CLICK HERE.

I was glad to be able to be there and celebrate with the other Cliftonites. Special thanks to the Mayor and the other members of the City Council, past and present! They helped make it happen. Good job! This was a 10 year project. But the wait is over. Let the games begin!

Campaign Update: Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Today, my family and I did some door-to-door campaigning on E. Clifton Ave! Thanks for taking time out of your day to speak to me.

Campaign Update: Sunday, March 27, 2011

The Catholic Voices breakfast was amazing! Thanks again for having me there and for your support of my bid to become part of the Clifton Board of Education.

Campaign Update: Saturday, March 26, 2011

Today I braved the cold to meet and greet people who live on Mt. Prospect Ave. Great views of NYC, might I add! I appreciate all of your comments. Thanks for taking the time to talk about the issues!

Campaign Update: Friday, March 25, 2011

Today I visited with homeowners on Coppola Ct and Starmond Ave. Thank you for your questions and your time. On April 27th, please vote for Blase Billack and my running mates, Paul Graupe and Rosemary Pino!!

Campaign Update: Sunday, March 20, 2011

Greetings! What a great day to be out and about in Clifton! Many thanks to all the people that I met along Hugo St., Tyler Ct., New Brier Lane, and Allwood Rd. It was great to have a chance to talk about ideas. Thanks also for your encouragement!

Campaign Update: Sunday, March 13, 2011

Today my family and I had the pleasure of attending the Corned Beed Dinner at the Allwood Community Church. My wife and I both agreed that the cabbage was excellent and that the corned beef was delicious! Kudos to the chef! Thanks to the many kind people who welcomed us and who shared table with us. St. Patrick's Day came early to Clifton this year!

Campaign Update: Woodrow Wilson Tricky Tray

The Woodrow Wilson tricky tray was held tonight at the Boys and Girls Club. It was a great event and the turnout was fabulous! It was an honor to meet so many Cliftonites and I thank the organizers for giving me the chance to pull some of the winning numbers. Best wishes!

OUT OF MANY, ONE

Today was quite remarkable. After spending most of the day at the Society of Toxicology conference, I was able to take a few hours in the afternoon to visit the Capitol. I took the tour (register at: http://www.visitthecapitol.gov). The tour was excellent and the guide shared so much interesting knowledge! The dome from the Rotunda is quite impressive, as are the paintings. My favorite paintings were: The Signing of the Declaration of Independence and the Christening of Pocahontas. The Apotheosis of George Washington (painted on the underside of the dome) was amazing. The busts in Statuary Hall were inspirational, as was the one of NJ's very own Richard Stockton in "the Crypt." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Statuary_Hall_Collection Go NJ!!

To attend a session of the House or the Senate, a special pass is required (you can get it at the office of your Senator or Congressman). I did not have a pass to enter the session of the Senate which was being held today; but I went over to the Senate Buildings and managed to find Senator Lautenberg's office. The Fallen Heroes exhibit, found outside of his office and dedicated to those who have died in action in Iraq and Afghanistan, was humbling and inspirational. Thank God for the courageous who are willing to defend our freedoms!

Once at the Senator's office, one of the staff members provided me with a pass to enter the Senate chamber. The pass is good for the entire 112th Congress. I kept the pass and headed back to the hotel, hoping to still find a chance to come back once more to observe a session of Congress.

To those of you who are planning to go to DC anytime soon, I would suggest visiting the Capitol. It was a remarkable time.

Campaign Update: Meeting with parents at School 13

Today I met several parents at school 13. While walking door to door, I also met some residents of Athenia. Many thanks to you for your kinds words of encouragement!

Petition has been submitted and accepted!!

Dear Clifton Voters,

Thank you so much for your faith in me and for signing the petition to have me put on the ballot!! I ask for your support as we approach the April 27th BOE election!

Goals of the Campaign

1. Keep taxes low. The Clifton taxpayer is taxed out. The people of Clifton are already paying too much in taxes and deserve real value for their money!

2. Control school spending. Let's roll up our sleeves and take a hard look at our needs and our wants. In times of crisis, such as these, it is wise to address the needs, but foolish to spend on unnecessary wants.

3. Fiscal responsibility. With a budget in the range of 140 to 150 million, it has to be enough! There is no one waiting to bail us out if we fail! Let's use common sense to keep the budget as realistic and efficient as possible without mortgaging away the future of our City. Responsible spending will go a long way!

4. To promote the involvement of parents in their children's education. Many parents work hard and count on teachers to get the job done. However, the teachers can't do it alone. Parents need to play an active role. I am willing to organize and take part in quarterly town hall meetings to listen to the ideas of parents as well as to provide insight to parents who need it.

5. To work with the Board and the Administration to get the curriculum online. Parents should be able to easily see what their children are learning.

6. To work with the Board and the Administration to remove outdated courses and design new ones which can help kids develop practical skills. It's time to give our children a chance to participate in hands on courses aimed at teaching them the skills they will use beyond our schools as they enter the work force or college.

Feb 1, 2011 City Council Meeting- Announcing the Campaign for BOE

Honorable Mayor and other Members of the City Council:

My name is Blase Billack, and I’m here to inform the City Council and people of Clifton that I will be running as a candidate for the Clifton Board of Education in this April’s election.

A very brief background about me: I live in Clifton with my wife and my young daughter. I presently work in the College of Pharmacy and Allied Health at St. John’s University and have earned the title of Associate Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences. I have published many research articles in the area of pharmacology and breast cancer.

Why I want to run. I started to take an interest in the Clifton School System and became aware of the Board of Education after participating in the New Jersey Science and Engineering Festival last October. In addition, my daughter will be starting school in a few years and, as a concerned parent, I want to help make the schools better for her and for all children in our City.

I generally approve of the direction which the current Board of Education is taking, which is one of fiscal responsibility and improved real education for our kids. We are living through difficult times. Many people in our community are struggling. That is why I also advocate holding the line on spending.

Motivation, enthusiasm and adequate resources are the three components to academic success. Some people preach throwing more and more taxpayer money at the schools, stating that this will help everything and solve all problems. Most of us now know this has not ever worked in the past.

What I can bring to the BOE: My background as a research scientist and teacher will add an important perspective to the Board of Education. Furthermore, I am in a unique position to guide our schools to help future students.

Although I am a scientist and a teacher, I realize that not everyone is going to be a scientist, or even should be going to college for a career path. But past administrations, for whatever reason, decided to eliminate many important lab courses, shop courses, and even home skills courses needed to teach not only basic science but basic hands on skills as well. The current Board and Administration members are assessing this and adding more practical courses as we speak, which is finally a step in the right direction. I want to keep this going and am in a great position to help.

So, to sum it up, I like the direction the current Board of Education is going in, and will support their goal of fiscal responsibility, responsible spending, and getting our tax money to our kids. I also advocate adding more science, shop, technology and practical courses for our kids to give them a chance for a decent future and a job.

Please vote for me, Blase Billack, in the April 27th Clifton Board of Education Election. You can contact me at: blasebillack@yahoo.com if you would like to ask me any questions. Thank you.

Holiday Wishes

As many of us prepare to celebrate the Holidays with family and friends, let us pause to remember the members of our communities now serving on active duty in the Armed Forces. They keep up safe and make tough sacrifices to do so, such as being away from home during special times such as these. May God bless them. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!

Moment of SIlence

Today is Pearl Harbor Day. The human toll was 2,388 Americans dead, 68 of them were civilians, and 1,178 were wounded. I did not know any of these people, but today I ask you to join me in remembering them by taking a moment of silence. Their bravery and sacrifice can never be measured. May their souls rest in peace.

Happy Thanksgiving!

"Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action." - W.J. Cameron

May your holiday be safe, joyful, and relaxing!!

NJ Science and Engineering Festival

he NJ Science and Engineering Festival is Here!! This weekend!! At Clifton High School (333 Colfax Ave, Clifton, NJ). Bring the kids! It's a great chance for kids to get exposed to science and the event is free! My talk, "Hereditary Breast Cancer and the BRCA1 gene," was today at 3 PM. But there are other events all throughout the day on Sunday and you can come and go as you please. For more info, see the link:

http://www.njsciencefestival.org/


Have a great weekend!

Unbelievable

The story of the Chilean miners is an inspirational one. It shows the power of FAITH, TEAMWORK and the HUMAN SPIRIT!! Amazing.

Happy Father's Day!

Let us express our thanks and affection to our fathers, whether we can do so in person or in prayer.

-President Reagan, spoken on Father's Day 1988

June 14, 2010: Flag Day

Today is Flag Day! Let us always honor our Stars and Stripes!

Memorial Day

On this Memorial Day, let us remember the men and women who currently serve in the Armed Forces. Thank you for your service to our country! Let us also remember all of our fallen heroes and their families!

Best wishes to all those who graduated today!

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE STJ CLASS OF 2010! YOU DID IT!! May you be blessed with wisdom, health, and happy days in the future!

-Dr Billack

P.S. Remember to keep in touch with your old pharmacology professor.

To all the moms out there...

Happy Mother's Day!