TENAFLY, N.J.—A new Democratic councilwoman was appointed to the Tenafly Borough Council by unanimous vote and sworn in at the Jan. 14 Borough Council meeting to fill the unexpired term of former councilman Mark Zinna who was elected mayor in November.
Zinna defeated four-term mayor Peter Rustin, who was an Independent, in November.
Julie O’Connor, a teacher and resident for over 20 years, was sworn in by District 37 state Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle, who noted O’Connor is an animal-rights advocate “and a person that believes in a healthy and safe environment” who has reached out to Huttle on animal and environmental legislative issues.
Vainieri Huttle said she uses O’Connor as “her gold stamp of approval” when it comes to evaluating such legislation.
‘Passion and commitment’
“It really is thrilling to give some gender equity basis as well, and I know, as a mother she has had passion and commitment. It’s my honor to swear her in,” said Vainieri Huttle.
O’Connor was applauded by family and friends in the audience, plus council members, following the brief ceremony.
O’Connor, of Windsor Road, is an English Language Learner teacher and district coordinator for Cliffside Park Public Schools, mother of twins in Tenafly schools, and an over two-decade resident.
She was one of a few candidates recommended by the county Democratic committee to fill Zinna’s unexpired term and selected by unanimous vote.
‘Helping my community’
“I welcomed this opportunity of being on the council and working to help my fellow residents. It was a good time to get more involved with helping my community,” said O’Connor in an email to Northern Valley Press, following her appointment.
“I moved to Tenafly over two decades ago. Not only are the schools exceptional, but it is also a beautiful community, replete with trees and native New Jersey animals, as well as some convenient shopping and dining. We need to appreciate the nature among which we live and I am interested in helping Tenafly maintain a healthy and green environment,” emailed O’Connor.
“Additionally, I also support policies that will encourage our town center to be developed in a way that helps residents enjoy the conveniences of a robust and flourishing downtown,” noted O’Connor.
“Equally important, we need to preserve the warmth and sense of community that our residents embrace, the reason they want to live here. This is a great town and I am looking forward to helping it meet the challenges of the future,” O’Connor added.
O’Connor has a bachelor’s degree from Sarah Lawrence College and master’s degrees from Mercy College and the Bank Street College of Education.
She received a doctorate degree in education from Northcentral University for her study of “humane education,” character education that includes animal welfare.
She currently serves as the director of educational programs for the Animal Protection League of New Jersey and vice president of The Humane Education Committee, Inc. She is also an adjunct professor at Touro College.
O’Connor serves as council liaison to the Board of Health, environmental commission and Tenakill Swim Club.