EMERSON—The Borough Council voted Sept. 16 to appoint Republican O’Neil A. Ellis to fill the unexpired term of former Councilwoman Jill McGuire, who resigned in August. The term runs through Dec. 31.
Ellis, a nine-year resident, was sworn in by Mayor Danielle DiPaola, with his wife, Olimpia, holding the Bible as their three children looked on. Fellow council members welcomed him with hugs and handshakes.
Ellis, who has served on the Recreation Commission since May 2021 and as a volunteer firefighter since November 2020, said, “Thank you for this opportunity and I look forward to getting to work.”
Ellis will run on the Nov. 4 general election ballot with Republican incumbent Nicole Argenzia, challenging democrats Michael DeOrio and Jose Organ. Ellis originally ran in the June primary alongside Michael Casey, who has since dropped out of the race.
DiPaola praised Ellis as “a dedicated public servant, family man, and long-time resident of Emerson,” noting his years of volunteer service as a coach and firefighter. She added that Ellis also works professionally in the hospitality industry as Hyatt Hotels’ director of safety and security, overseeing emergency response, safety operations, and risk management.
“Above all, O’Neil is a proud husband, father, and eldest of eight siblings, which has instilled values that ground his approach to service, responsibility, and integrity,” DiPaola said.
She added that his priorities include public safety, recreational development, responsible growth, and open communication.
For more on McGuire’s tenure, see “A fond farewell to McGuire, who gave much to Emerson,” Pascack Press, Sept. 1, 2025.
In other business, the Borough Council appointed Jakub Dmitruk as a full-time probationary police officer effective Sept. 15. Police Chief Mark Savino said the council expedited the hire following an officer’s departure in May, and welcomed Dmitruk and his family to the department.