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ENGLEWOOD, N.J.—Three-term incumbent Mayor Frank Huttle III will depart from his elected post leading city government at the end of 2018.
Who will be mayor of the City of Englewood in 2019? Voters will decide on Election Day, Nov. 6.
Former Mayor Michael Wildes was nominated by Democrats, while Dierdre G. Paul was nominated by Republicans. The successful candidate will serve a three-year term.
Candidates were asked to submit a 250-word statement outlining their backgrounds and issues that are of importance to them; they appear in alphabetical order by last name.
Dierdre G. Paul
“I am Dr. Dierdre Paul. I am proud to be running for election to the office of Englewood mayor. I want to advocate for Englewood’s residents in Trenton to ensure that property taxes are lowered. I want to guarantee fiscal responsibility, government transparency, and the restoration of good government to the City of Englewood.
“If elected, I look forward to taking Englewood in a new direction—ushering us all into a new era where community, pride and integrity become hallmarks of this fine city. It all begins with keeping our residents here in Englewood and keeping them happy. For too long, property taxes have increased and residents have not received enough in return for what they’ve been paying.
“Englewood presently lacks sufficient programs and services for our seniors, children and families. Communities are made up of people, not just infrastructure and buildings. I will make it my mission to implement annual community forums in each of the city’s wards in an effort to hear the residents’ concerns. Via ‘Access Fridays,’ residents will have the opportunity to meet with me and discuss ideas, suggestions and concerns about Englewood and how to move the city forward.
“Speaking of infrastructure, we need to address the endemic problem of uncharacteristic development throughout the city—particularly in the Fourth Ward. A moratorium should be placed on the construction of new, overpriced, high-density apartments that are taxing our infrastructure with no regard for potential consequences like traffic, dangerous pedestrian intersections, sewage overflow and additional flooding.”
Michael Wildes
“I served as your mayor and councilman from 1998 to 2010, a time when our city enjoyed a tremendous level of progress and prosperity. With the diverse corners of our community working together toward common goals, we achieved stable property taxes, safer neighborhoods and a vibrant downtown business district that created tax revenue, jobs and business opportunity. Englewood was truly the progressive leader of Bergen County.
“Unfortunately, much of this progress has since been erased by fiscal mismanagement and political bickering, leading to a financial crisis in Englewood. Taxpayers are facing another major tax increase this year, coming on the heels of a 7 percent increase last year. Compounding the problem, property values have stagnated and prominent businesses in our downtown have shut their doors due to governmental dysfunction. Many longtime residents, both homeowners and renters, are justifiably worried about being pushed out of their homes. I find this possibility absolutely unconscionable, and I cannot sit back and watch it happen without taking action.
“My wife Amy and I raised our four children here, and I owe a debt to this community that can never be repaid. That desire to give back and serve the public is why I’ve decided to once again seek the office of Mayor at this crucial juncture.
“I’m certain that by working together we can confront these issues and I’m committed to forwarding real solutions to the City Council that will allow us to take decisive action. We must return to the values of public service and public trust in our community.”
