HARRINGTON PARK, N.J.—If not the longest serving mayor in Bergen County, he’s certainly in the running as one of the longest serving public officials ever in the Northern Valley. On Jan. 4, incumbent Harrington Park Mayor Paul Hoelscher was sworn in to begin his eighth consecutive four-year term.
Prior to being elected mayor, Hoelscher served as a councilman from 1977-1983, adding up to 35 years of public service in Harrington Park.
Mayor Paul Hoelscher began his 29th year as mayor on Jan. 4, taking the oath of office in front of two area mayors with whom he has worked hand-in-hand through parts of three decades while leading a quiet, 2-square-mile borough of about 4,500 residents.
“I enjoy being able to help people whenever I can, it provides great satisfaction. And I’m just a phone call away from people who need to reach me,” said Hoelscher, who lists his home number on the borough website.
Borough Attorney John Dineen administered the oath of office to Hoelscher, while state Assemblyman Robert Auth (R-Old Tappan) swore in Gregory Evanella, and Borough Administrator Ann Bistritz swore in Councilwoman Diane Walker.
Hoelscher, an Independent, was challenged by Democrat Vincent Forma, who he handily defeated with 1,128 votes to 404 for Forma.
Hoelscher was reelected, along with two Independent running mates who ran unopposed, Gregory Evanella and Diane Walker.
Hoelscher said priorities in 2020 include completion of the Allegro assisted living and memory care facility, which includes some affordable units, plus other affordable housing at a former gas station property and adjacent lot.
“This should be a win-win for the town and be a decent ratable,” said Hoelscher of the new assisted living facility under construction.
“Fiscally, we’re in very good shape,” he said, noting another shared-service effort is planned with Norwood.
Other town upgrades under his watch include more recreational facilities, including lighting at night, he said, and additional security systems at borough hall.
‘A rewarding experience’
“This has been a very rewarding experience through the first seven administrations and I’m looking forward to continuing to serve the people as best I can,” said Hoelscher.
“I’m also very pleased with the results of the election. It’s confirmation [by residents] of the direction the town is moving in,” he added.
Hoelscher said area mayors have always had collegial, productive relationships, including shared services, that transcend political affiliation.
Hoelscher hosted a mayors’ meeting with regional CSX officials last May to discuss continuing concerns and problems with deteriorating railroad crossings in Northern Valley towns and CSX has begun repairs to many of the worst vehicle crossings.
He noted that Alpine Mayor Paul Tomasko and Closter Mayor John Glidden, both Republicans, attended the weekend swearing-in along with state Senator Gerald Cardinale (R-Demarest) and Bergen County Clerk John Hogan, a Democrat.If not the longest serving mayor in Bergen County, he’s certainly in the running as one of the longest serving public officials ever in the Northern Valley. On Jan. 4, incumbent Harrington Park Mayor Paul Hoelscher was sworn in to begin his eighth consecutive four-year term.
Prior to being elected mayor, Hoelscher served as a councilman from 1977-1983, adding up to 35 years of public service in Harrington Park.
Mayor Paul Hoelscher began his 29th year as mayor on Jan. 4, taking the oath of office in front of two area mayors with whom he has worked hand-in-hand through parts of three decades while leading a quiet, 2-square-mile borough of about 4,500 residents.
“I enjoy being able to help people whenever I can, it provides great satisfaction. And I’m just a phone call away from people who need to reach me,” said Hoelscher, who lists his home number on the borough website.
Borough Attorney John Dineen administered the oath of office to Hoelscher, while state Assemblyman Robert Auth (R-Old Tappan) swore in Gregory Evanella, and Borough Administrator Ann Bistritz swore in Councilwoman Diane Walker.
Hoelscher, an Independent, was challenged by Democrat Vincent Forma, who he handily defeated with 1,128 votes to 404 for Forma.
Hoelscher was reelected, along with two Independent running mates who ran unopposed, Gregory Evanella and Diane Walker.
Hoelscher said priorities in 2020 include completion of the Allegro assisted living and memory care facility, which includes some affordable units, plus other affordable housing at a former gas station property and adjacent lot.
“This should be a win-win for the town and be a decent ratable,” said Hoelscher of the new assisted living facility under construction.
“Fiscally, we’re in very good shape,” he said, noting another shared-service effort is planned with Norwood.
Other town upgrades under his watch include more recreational facilities, including lighting at night, he said, and additional security systems at borough hall.
‘A rewarding experience’
“This has been a very rewarding experience through the first seven administrations and I’m looking forward to continuing to serve the people as best I can,” said Hoelscher.
“I’m also very pleased with the results of the election. It’s confirmation [by residents] of the direction the town is moving in,” he added.
Hoelscher said area mayors have always had collegial, productive relationships, including shared services, that transcend political affiliation.
Hoelscher hosted a mayors’ meeting with regional CSX officials last May to discuss continuing concerns and problems with deteriorating railroad crossings in Northern Valley towns and CSX has begun repairs to many of the worst vehicle crossings.
He noted that Alpine Mayor Paul Tomasko and Closter Mayor John Glidden, both Republicans, attended the weekend swearing-in along with state Senator Gerald Cardinale (R-Demarest) and Bergen County Clerk John Hogan, a Democrat.
