PARK RIDGE, N.J.—U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-5) administered the oath of office to Mayor Keith Misciagna, Councilman Robert Metzdorf, and Councilwoman Kelly Epstein on Wednesday, Jan. 1.
Also sworn in were Volunteer Fire Department officers and Police Reserve officers: Fire Chief Tom Lepore, Fire Department Capt. Mark Durst, Lt. Richard Bosi, Lt. Thomas G. Derienzo, Lt. Peter Mauro, Police Reserves Chief Paul Witte, Capt. Christopher Brown, Lt. George Harcher, Sgt. Aaron Attong, and Sgt. Vincent Lemba.
“Park Ridge is in good hands with Mayor Misciagna, Councilman Metzdorf, and Councilwoman Kelly Epstein a part of its leadership,” said Gottheimer.
He said Misciagna, whose father also was a mayor in New Jersey, is a 26-year Park Ridge resident with a clear dedication to the community.
“For years Keith been dedicated to our workers, to children throughout the community, and to our local businesses,” he said.
Gottheimer said Epstein, who teaches history and psychology at Park Ridge High School, “will continue rejuvenating the community center and boosting recreation for Park Ridge families.”
Metzdorf, who served on the Park Ridge Planning Board and Recreational Committee and as a youth sports coach, “will continue prioritizing pedestrian safety and ensuring Park Ridge provides the exceptional services it’s known for,” Gottheimer said.
The congressman thanked and congratulated the first responders sworn in.
“Park Ridge Volunteer Fire Department officers and Police Reserve officers work incredibly hard to protect this community and keep our families safe. We must always have their backs,” he said.
Misciagna won a new four-year term with 1,361 votes on Election Day, beating Republican County Committeeman William R. Fenwick’s 1,002 votes.
Democratic incumbents Epstein and Metzdorf took 1,227 votes and 1,288 votes, respectively, fending off their Republican challengers John Cozzi and Joshua A. Nathanson.
The race for two full terms on the borough board of education was also contested. The winners: Nicholas J. Triano and John B. Pierotti Jr.
— Staff report, with James Adams photos
