WESTWOOD, N.J.—Borough voters will cast ballots in support of state, county, and local leaders on this Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5.
With Westwood Mayor John Birkner Jr. and fellow Democrat Gerald Falotico of Emerson making a run at the state General Assembly in District 39, challenging Republican incumbents Holly Schepisi and Robert Auth, the mayor’s gavel is up for grabs in the borough.
Westwood Republican County Committee Chairman and Council President Raymond Arroyo, who was seated for his third term on council Feb. 19 after winning a court bid to have out-of-town ballots against him discounted, is squaring off against longtime borough volunteer Jodi Murphy, serving her first year of a three-year term on the council.
We invited the candidates to submit 250-word statements outlining their backgrounds and issues that are of importance to them; they appear in alphabetical order by last name.
Next time: Westwood Council incumbents Robert Bicocchi and Beth Dell and their Democratic challengers, Iraj Hastings and Lea Simone.
Raymond Arroyo
— Party: Republican.
— Age: 64.
— Years of residency: 26.
— Career: Construction manager.
— Degrees and certifications: Yale University B.A, cum laude.
— Family: Married to Jo Ann; one son, Christian.
— Elected experience: Completing first year in third term as a councilmember; Council President.
At February’s swearing-in for my third council term, the standing-room-only crowd consisted of Republican, Democratic, and Independent residents who appreciated my record of service on their behalf. That enthusiastic reception, and my commitment to our community, inspired me to run for mayor.
I am uniquely qualified for the role. My education, my 30- year career in a highly competitive, schedule, cost and detail driven industry, coupled with the knowledge and experience acquired after eight years on Zoning Board, and seven years on Council has equipped me with the necessary tools to serve as your mayor.
Land use and public safety are two cornerstones upon which we build our lives in Westwood. Land use establishes the quality of our community’s physical environment: size, scale, density and intensity determine the comfort and character of our community. Responsible commercial redevelopment offset cost burdens on residential taxpayers.
Public safety secures our families’ lives and property, enabling residents to freely enjoy Westwood’s numerous amenities. These fundamentals have been the twin focus of my public service.
Westwood is routinely cited as among “the Best Places in New Jersey for…” Enlightened policies implemented by our predecessors and experienced decision makers, like Beth Dell and Rob Bicocchi, make that possible.
Our governance and small town culture has long provided a viable alternative to “inevitable” urbanism. It’s why successive generations return and raise families here in Westwood.
The borough’s future success is based upon continuity, stability and thoughtful, incremental change; which Beth, Rob and I have consistently delivered.
—Raymond Arroyo
Jodi Murphy
— Party: Democratic.
— Age: 42.
— Years of residency: 20+.
— Career: Small business manager.
— Degrees and certifications: Bachelor’s degree, education, summa cum laude, New York University; Founder’s Award for Academic Excellence.
— Family: Son, Cooper.
— Elected experience: Current councilwoman, Westwood.
Third-generation Westwood resident Jodi Murphy serves on the Westwood Council. Murphy was a longtime volunteer for the Recreation Advisory Board, and assistant in the Recreation Department where she started the award winning Forever Young newsletter. She is a coordinator for the Mayor’s Wellness Campaign, earning Westwood a Healthy Town designation each year she served.
Murphy is the former assistant program manager for Westwood for All Ages. She was an integral part in earning Westwood an Age Friendly Community designation from AARP.
Murphy is a member of Westwood’s Green Team. She is embarking on the second year of her PTO co-presidency at Brookside School.
Murphy is a proud Class of 2020 Bergen LEADS program participant. She has been actively involved in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training (TNT) as a participant and a coach. During her tenure with TNT she raised more than $30,000 by running in marathons and half marathons.
Murphy has fostered dogs for Eleventh Hour Rescue, and currently has three rescue dogs.
Murphy graduated summa cum laude with a degree in education from NYU, where she was honored to be a recipient of the Founder’s Award for Academic Excellence.
Murphy resides in Westwood with her son, Cooper.
She says, “I am committed to Westwood’s progress. My vision is to bring Westwood to the future through sustainable measures while still maintaining the small town feel, and preserving the rich history that we all know and love. I thank you in advance for your support!”
—Jodi Murphy
Sample Ballot
