To the editor:
I am a lifelong Democrat and I proudly support Woodcliff Lake’s Republican Mayor Carlos Rendo in his bid for reelection and here’s why. Local elections and politics are different. You judge a candidate based on their track record and integrity. Carlos is a bipartisan problem-solver.
After a stormy mayor and council meeting in December 2016 about an affordable housing settlement proposal, Carlos proposed having an open public meeting at Tice Hall. A few months later he organized a negotiating committee that included council persons, planners and Woodcliff Lake residents (including a few outspoken opponents of “builder’s remedies” and overdevelopment in our town). It took guts and leadership on Carlos’s part to slow things down and listen to residents’ concerns.
More recently there was a similar outcry to the proposed development of 188 Broadway also on the east side of town. Carlos made sure all opposed to the re-zoning of that property were also heard and eventually the rezoning petition was defeated. Mayor Rendo is competent, transparent, knowledgeable and most importantly open to hearing other points of view. He genuinely cares about what is in the long term interest of our town.
Based on my observations and interaction with Jacqueline Gadaleta I do not believe she is ready yet to be mayor of Woodcliff Lake. This election, whatever your party affiliation, don’t hesitate to vote for Mayor Carlos Rendo for reelection. His track record speaks for itself.