HAWORTH, N.J.—The Borough Council’s only two Republicans are having their reelection bids challenged by two Democrats this Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Incumbent Republican Councilmen Andrew Rosenberg and Michael Bain both seek to continue their service. They are challenged by Democrats Stephen Chval, who previously served 27 years on the council, and nominee Bruce G. Steinthal.
In 2018, Democrats won three seats on the council alongside the election of Mayor Thomas Ferrence, giving them a five-of-seven majority.
We invited the candidates to submit a 250-word statement outlining their backgrounds and issues that are of importance to them; here they are in alphabetical order by last name. Asterisks denote incumbents.
Michael Bain*
— Political party: Republican.
— Age: 62.
— Years of residency: 19.
— Career: business/law/finance.
— College degrees or certifications: Juris Doctor, St. John’s School of Law.
— Family: Married, four children.
— Past elected experience: Haworth Borough Council, currently serving second term.
I believe Haworth is a special place to live and raise a family. We have parks and playgrounds, youth sports, a library that is a true cultural center. Our first responders are the envy of the Northern Valley and we have a sense of community exemplified by the many volunteers who give so generously of their time.
As a Borough Councilman I have worked vigorously over the last several years to continue providing the services that make Haworth the special place it is.
My efforts as Chairman of the Finance Committee have directly led to our Borough’s S&P rating being one of the highest, which leads to saving tens of thousands of dollars in debt service each year in our budget.
I have worked with each of the Police, Fire, Ambulance and DPW departments to help ensure they have all of the tools and equipment they need to perform their vital functions while carefully maintaining our budget to minimize any increase to our tax rates.
My work as liaison to the Recreation Commission has helped expand the recreation offerings to our Borough residents without any tax increases to cover the costs.
I have started work on reviving the Haworth Chamber of Commerce to help our merchants and home-based business owners have an opportunity to expand their businesses and join the business community in the Northern Valley.
It would be a privilege to be allowed to continue this work and I would respectfully ask for your vote on Election Day.
—Michael Bain
Stephen Chval
— Democrat.
— Years of residency: 43.
— Career: Investment advisor.
— College degrees or certifications: B.A. from New York University.
— Family: Wife, Susan; sons, Matthew and Alexander.
— Past elected experience: Haworth Borough Council, 1987–2013.
I have been an investment advisor for my entire business career. Having served on the Council for 27 years, I believe I can improve the financial condition of Haworth.
From 1987 to 2013 during my tenure as Finance Chairman, I accomplished the computerization of our accounting systems, managed the refinancing of our sewer bonds and maintained the highest possible credit rating to reduce interest costs.
These are difficult financial times because of state and federal aid cutbacks. I will work to maximize grant monies available to us. And I intend to restore the level of Borough reserves and trust accounts. This will lower our bond service costs.
As the current chairman of the Long-Range Financial Planning Committee, I am working to address the future direction of Haworth in order to maintain the character of our town and our property values. Serving on the council again would enable me to further these goals by overseeing our finance office and managing our budget in a professional manner.
My wife Susan and I have lived here since 1976. I would be honored to be elected again to serve 3 more years. Managing our future by electing people with the most experience and expertise is critical to keeping Haworth’s municipal taxes as low as possible.
—Stephen Chval
Andrew Rosenberg*
— Republican.
— Age: 52.
— Years of residency: 19.
—Career: Commercial real estate attorney; partner in the law firm of Cassin & Cassin LLP.
— Education: Bachelor of Business Administration from The George Washington University, Washington, D.C., and a Juris Doctor from Brooklyn Law School.
— Family: Wife, Melissa; two children, Scott and Danielle.
—Past elected experience: Haworth Borough Council, 2011 to present.
I am proud to have had the opportunity to represent the residents of Haworth as a Councilman for the past nine years.
When approaching my Council duties, (i) I always do my best to provide our residents with timely information and engage them in the governing process where possible, (ii) seek to ensure that every tax dollar is allocated as efficiently as possible, and (iii) work hard to preserve the small town character and sense of community that have made and continue to make Haworth a great place to live.
During my three terms as a councilman, I have worked closely with 12 councilmembers and three mayors from both sides of the aisle as I believe that we should all have the same goals in mind when representing our residents. As a member of the Finance Committee for six years, I worked to improve the budget process and reduce the Borough’s debt burden. Additionally, as chair of the Land Use Committee, I have worked to improve and update the borough’s ordinances in this area. Moreover, as Police Commissioner for the past six years, I have worked closely with department leadership to enhance engagement with the community and ensure that they have the necessary manpower and equipment to protect our residents.
As a councilman, I have always looked to Move Haworth Forward—that is, to make it an even better place to live than it already is. I look forward to the opportunity to continue serving Haworth and its residents.
—Andrew Rosenberg
Bruce G. Steinthal
— Democrat.
— Age: 69.
—Years of residency: 37.
— Career: CPA (for 37 years); State and Local Government Consultant (previously).
— College degrees or certifications: B.S. in Engineering Science, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; M.S. in Public Policy and Management, Carnegie Mellon University.
— Family: Married, 45 years, with two children.
— Past elected experience: None.
My training and background in municipal practices, years of service on the Planning Board, and experience as a CPA make me uniquely qualified to guide our borough through the coming years when we will need to refinance our existing municipal bonds, update the master land use plan and explore cost-effective strategies for maintaining the character of Haworth.
Engineer, Urban Planner; CPA. I have worn many hats in my lifetime. My degrees in engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University prepared me to work for a non-profit organization where for eight years I researched and wrote about best municipal practices in land use management, revenue and expenditure forecasting, and infrastructure management for state and local governments throughout the US.
In 1982 I moved to Haworth, changed careers, and began work as a Certified Public Accountant. My wife, Marilyn, and I raised our children, Russell and Eric, here. During these ensuing 37 years I have coached soccer, served as the borough’s Recreation Commissioner, served on the Planning Board for over 20 years, and was recently appointed to the Long-Term Financial Planning Committee.My diverse experience is important for facing our future challenges. If elected, I will use my experience and expertise to: Plan for the future of Haworth; preserve the fiscal integrity of Haworth; preserve the unique character of Haworth; and protect Haworth’s open spaces.
Please vote on Nov. 5. Your vote counts!
—Bruce G. Steinthal
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