PARK RIDGE — Republican incumbents Gregory Hoffman and Bruce Goldsmith won re-election to the Borough Council on Nov. 4, defeating Democratic challengers Thomas M. Greco and Lynda Nettleship-Carraher, according to unofficial results from the Bergen County Clerk’s Office. The two open seats carry full three-year terms.
Hoffman led the field with 2,306 votes (27.20%), followed by Goldsmith with 2,174 (25.64%). Greco received 2,077 (24.50%), and Nettleship-Carraher had 1,919 (22.63%).
Total votes cast: 8,479.
Hoffman, a 32-year borough resident and civil litigation attorney, and Goldsmith, a longtime volunteer and PKRG-TV station manager, ran as the Preserve Park Ridge team. Both emphasized fiscal responsibility, public safety, and opposition to overdevelopment. Hoffman pointed to three consecutive years without a municipal tax increase and a new traffic enforcement officer to improve pedestrian safety.
Democratic challengers Thomas Greco and Lynda Nettleship-Carraher, running as Park Ridge United, campaigned on property-tax stability, investment in community facilities, and ending what they called divisive local politics. Greco, a restaurant owner and Park Ridge native, also serves on the Planning Board and Recreation & Culture Committee. Nettleship-Carraher, an artist and borough volunteer, serves on the Zoning Board and Diversity & Inclusion Committee.
All four candidates addressed deer management, supporting humane or regional solutions to control herd size and reduce accidents. Hoffman said the borough should explore sterilization and culling only if necessary, while Goldsmith and the Democrats favored a cooperative Pascack Valley approach guided by wildlife experts.
The Mill Pond dredging referendum, also on the ballot, drew strong voter interest. The public favored the $5 million bonding option, not the $10 million proposal. Hoffman and Goldsmith had pledged to respect voters’ decision, while Greco and Nettleship-Carraher supported the higher investment as a long-term solution to prevent dam failure and improve water quality.
On social media after the election, Hoffman and Goldsmith thanked residents, writing, “Thank you, Park Ridge! We’re truly honored by your trust and support. Serving this community is a privilege, and we’re excited to continue working together to keep Park Ridge strong and thriving.”
With Tuesday’s outcome, Republicans maintain their council majority. Results remain unofficial until all timely, qualified, and eligible votes are counted and the election is certified on Nov. 19. County boards of election have until Nov. 10 to receive postmarked mail-in ballots, and voters have until Nov. 15 to return a cure form to fix a signature or envelope issue. The Board of State Canvassers is scheduled to certify the official 2025 General Election results on Dec. 4.