CLOSTER, N.J.—A long-serving Closter councilwoman was installed Jan. 2, entering a term that will lead her towards nearly two decades of public service to the borough.
On Jan. 2 in Closter, incumbent Republican Councilwoman Victoria Amitai was sworn in to start her sixth consecutive term, joined by incumbent Republican Councilman Joseph Yammarino, who kicked off his second term.
Amitai was honored by state Sen. Gerald Cardinale (R-39), who recognized her long-term public service with a New Jersey Legislature proclamation celebrating her tenure in office, initiating her 16th year on the borough council.
A series of three public forums on local schools sponsored by the three council Republicans and Mayor John Glidden—held in August, September and October and well-attended by residents—were seen as a positive and may have been a boost to Amitai and Yammarino.
One session focused attention on a proposed 35-unit, 100 percent affordable housing complex planned at the former Village School.
Both said they learned a lot from the forums and that issues raised such as school traffic patterns, security, and possible affordable housing impacts on schools were important to be addressed.
“…I’m so proud; I’m so touched; I’m so humbled,” said Amitai, reached Jan. 3.
She said it was “really beautiful” that Cardinale and the state legislature recognized her years of service with a special proclamation. Amitai received 948 votes on Nov. 5.
In addition to Amitai’s reelection, incumbent Republican Councilman Yammarino was installed after being handily reelected with 1,024 votes in November.