HAWORTH, N.J.—Haworth voters will elect three officials to the six-member Borough Council on Election Day, Nov. 6.
Last week, Northern Valley Press brought you statements from incumbent Republican Mayor John Smart and Democratic challenger Thomas P. Ference.
This week, we’re bringing you statements from each candidate for Borough Council. In the race for two three-year full terms: Incumbent Republican Regina Duffy seeks reelection, as does incumbent Democrat Glenn Z. Poosikian, who is running with Democrat Heather Wasser.
Voters also need to choose between two candidates for an unexpired two-year term left by the tragic death of Councilman Anthony Volpe, who was elected to serve from 2018 to 2020, but sucummed to cancer earlier this year. Vying for that seat are Democrat Dina Siciliano and Republican Christine Park.
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. Asterisks denote incumbents.
FOR COUNCIL, TWO THREE-YEAR TERMS
Regina Duffy*
“Thank you to the people of Haworth for trusting me to help keep Haworth a great place to live and raise children. My many years of volunteer work for the Ambulance Corps, Girl Scouts, and the Recreation Commission have given me a good understanding of the contributions that volunteers make to our town.
“During my last three years on the town council, I have learned so much more about what keeps Haworth a great place. The hardworking employees of the DPW keep the town in beautiful condition. The staff in the Borough Hall are some of the most dedicated people I know, answering sometimes challenging but important questions you ask. The volunteer organizations in town from the Ambulance Corps, to the Fire Department, to the youth recreation program partner together to help all residents stay safe, active, healthy and fit.
“Since moving to Haworth with my husband Tom 32 years ago and raising three girls, we have watched the town grow and improve services. I am particularly pleased with the great strides we have made with our senior citizens programs, offering many opportunities to socialize.
“In my last three years in office, I have made every effort to keep the town’s expenditures responsible while maintaining the services to enable the wonderful quality of life we all enjoy in Haworth.
“I look forward to the opportunities for us to continue to work together.”
Glenn Z. Poosikian*
“I have lived in Haworth for 24 years with my family. I have been a practicing attorney for 29 years, specializing in civil litigation, and am a member of the firm of Flores Sternick Poosikian. I am a court appointed arbitrator since 1999, was appointed as Bergen County’s Public Advocate for Land Use in 2009, and in 2017 was appointed to the District XI Attorney Ethics Committee.
“In Haworth, I coached softball and baseball teams and served as a committee member for Haworth Boy Scout Troop 73. In 2005, I became Haworth’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) coordinator managing Haworth’s Emergency Operation Plan update.
“During my tenure on council, fiscal responsibility, shared municipal services and transparency through communication have been my priorities. As DPW Commissioner, Fire Department Commissioner, liaison to the Ambulance Corps and OEM, I have coordinated the sharing of expensive equipment with neighboring towns through service agreements resulting in better services and safety while saving taxes. As Shade Tree liaison, 100-plus trees were planted by securing state-funded Cool City grants.
“I maintain transparency in the council through consistent communication. I was the first councilperson to keep residents informed of relevant issues with ‘Haworth News,’ allowing the quick dissemination of pertinent and emergency information.
“It has been an honor serving Haworth. By re-electing me to Haworth’s council, I continue my commitment by striving towards fiscal responsibility without sacrificing municipal services, expanding shared services, maintaining transparency through communication, continuing public safety and responding to issues that affect all residents.”
Heather Wasser
“We moved to Haworth from Manhattan in 2004 with 19-month-old Olivia, and Mia on the way. Olivia is now a Junior at NVD and Mia is in eighth grade at Haworth School.
“Haworth made it easy to adjust to suburbia. I immediately joined storytime at the library, making friends I cherish today. We spent countless days at ‘Fishy’ park, Memorial Field and hanging at the cafe in the back of the Apothecary. Year after year we joined in the camaraderie of Haworth Day, holiday activities and the 5K, plus Rec Soccer and Vikings.
“I jumped into volunteering at our preschool, ultimately sitting on the Board. At HPS I became a class parent. I served on both girls’ graduation committees and planned numerous fundraising and social events for their grades and HHSA. We brought Terra-Cycle to school in 2012. It teaches students about up-cycling while fundraising for their school. I have served on the Sisterhood Board of my temple since 2011.
“I am committed to transparency; preserving our Haworth culture as we welcome new residents; fiscal prudence; making sure our newest residents and our stalwarts have their needs met and voices heard. We must pay careful attention to what the state has in mind for small towns such as ours. I will work vigorously to protect and promote Haworth’s best interests.
“To serve Haworth as a council member would be an honor. I pride myself on my ability to listen, hear all sides of an issue and reach common sense conclusions.”
FOR COUNCIL, ONE TWO-YEAR TERM
Christine E. Park
“I have always been proud to be a Haworth resident. I appreciate the community-oriented nature, neighbors-helping-neighbors spirit and beauty of our town. I have enjoyed participating in many choir and orchestra concerts at the School, enjoying a slice of pizza or curly fries downtown, watching fireworks at Memorial Field, spending summers with my nose buried in books at the library, and enjoying music in the park. Many of these memories I’ve described are realities we still live and enjoy today. The braglist of Haworth goes on and on, and it is a big testament to the tireless work and effort of many volunteers, departments, committees and organizations coming together to keep the town running. I am running for council because I am dedicated to continuing to support the work to keep these traditions. When I worked as an intern in the County and State government, I saw how government can work with constituents to deliver superior service. There is always more work to be done as our town continues to grow and adapt over time. I will bring fresh perspectives and ideas on the best and most effective ways to meet the needs of residents, drawing from my experiences of growing up in Haworth and years of volunteering. Haworth was and continues to be a town full of opportunity, and its growth and health is guided by all of us who live and work here. Let’s continue to work together! I ask for your vote for me for Council.”
Dina Siciliano
“Dan and I moved to Haworth in 1998. We have enjoyed raising our two daughters here and love the home and friends we have made.
“Professionally, I worked at Random House as an editor and continued to freelance after leaving.
“I have served on the Haworth Library Board since 2005 and currently serve as president. During the library renovation, I learned the processes and procedures of a municipality. It was a great education learning how to balance the concerns of our community while advocating for local institutions.
“For more than 10 years, I was deeply involved in community volunteering: Vice President then President of the HHSA, Girl Scout leader, Recreation Program coach and Catechist teacher. While on the HHSA board, I helped create Trick or Trunk, Drama Club and online lunch ordering. We continually fundraised for cut programs and staff. At NVD, I’ve continued to volunteer, running several charity events and working on the 2018 Project Graduation Committee.
“My efforts in Haworth have proven that I am reliable and effective. I speak up when necessary and will continue to do so as a Councilmember. We must keep our channels of communication open so that the community is aware of the issues that arise and can make their voices heard. My priority is to make sure your tax dollars work for you, through current services and future plans. Though Haworth is small, we are mighty and it would be my honor to be able to represent our community on the Haworth Council.”