HARRINGTON PARK, N.J.—The Borough’s Independent Council Party is unopposed for two open council seats, but faces a challenge for the mayor’s seat this Election Day in Harrington Park.
Mayor Paul Hoelscher has led the borough government for 27 years since he was first elected mayor in 1992. Harrington Park has a unique tradition of electing independents, and Hoelscher’s runningmates Gregory J. Evanella and Diane G. Walker are both running unopposed and expected to be reelected.
Hoelscher is challenged in his reelection bid by Democrat nominee Vincent G. Forma, who did not reply to messages seeking his participation in this article.
We invited the candidates to submit a 250-word statement outlining their backgrounds and issues that are of importance to them. Since Forma did not reply, information here has been culled from publicly available sources. Asterisks denote incumbents.
For Mayor: One four-year term
Paul A. Hoelscher*
—Political party: Independent Council Party.
—Years of residency: 48.
—Career: Real Estate Appraiser, Broker, History Teacher, College Professor.
—Education: M.A. Degree (Political Science and Economics).
—Family: Wife, Rosalie; daughter, Cheryl, and her family.
—Past elected experience: Seven years as councilman (1977-1983); Mayor from 1992 to present.
My tenure as Mayor resulted in many beneficial accomplishments for the Borough. Harrington Park has consistently listed as “the best place to live in New Jersey.” This is not by accident; but through hard work.
My leadership as President of Bergen County Mayor’s Organization re-opened Hackensack University Medical Center at Pascack Valley. The Borough settled its C.O.A.H. responsibilities on affordable housing and working with the Allegro Group on re-developing Suez Property on Old Hook Road.
Through strategic leases and purchases, our open space inventory increased over ten acres. Harrington Park is certified “Sustainable Jersey,” thus able to receive rewards and financial incentives for future generations. Our recreational facilities and programs have been expanded and improved, which includes field lighting and lightning detection system. The Beautification Committee was formed to improve visual appeal of the Borough.
Fiscal responsibility over the years resulted in outstanding credit rating, and Harrington Park has one of the lowest debt services in the area. We have joined shared service agreements and secured grants in the millions in order to keep our tax rate balanced while providing residents with services and equipment needed to maintain our current quality of life.
I serve on Executive Committees of Bergen County League of Municipalities and Bergen County Joint Insurance Fund. I am an active Member of HP Historic Society, Club 60, and Lions Club. I am seeking re-election as Mayor to guarantee continuation of open and responsive government utilizing my vast experience, knowledge and leadership capabilities.
—Paul A. Hoelscher
Vincent G. Forma
—Political party: Democrat.
—Years of residency: 10.
—Career: Banker.
—Education: …
—Family: …
—Past elected experience: …
I chose to run for mayor because I feel I can help and I want to contribute to the community. I have tremendous respect for the way the town has been operated but there’s still work that needs to be done.
My professional background and strong connections to the business community, and the public community on the municipal, county and state levels, has helped me become well-versed as to how we can tap into resources from the county and state to offset the costs that are needed to improve our infrastructure and better develop our downtown, while still securing our small town feel. I have the enthusiasm and energy to secure our future while honoring our past.
What I love most about Harrington Park is: Harrington Park is my home, but it’s more than that—it’s my community. Many people don’t understand how special Harrington Park is until they live here. Growing up in the Northern Valley and being able to provide the same small town experiences I enjoyed to my family, it’s priceless. It’s a common theme I hear from the many of the families we interact with: They’ve chosen this town for the community, its characteristics, and the values that we hold dear.
—Vincent G. Forma
Editor’s note: This statement was transcribed from a video posted to Forma’s Facebook page.
For Council: Two three-year terms
Gregory Evanella*
—Political party: Independent.
—Age: 59.
—Years of residency: 59.
—Career: Legal Editor/Author; Thomson Reuters, Hoboken, N.J.
—Education: JD from Vermont Law School; B.S. from St. Thomas Aquinas College.
—Family: Susan; three children, Maryrose, Thomas, and Clare.
—Past elected experience: Borough Council since 2008.
Since I was elected to borough council in 2008, I’ve been guided by two principles: accountability and stewardship.
In making decisions on behalf of every resident of the borough, I always ask myself: is this outlay of tax money wise and are we receiving something of genuine and lasting value. Further, does this outlay improve or build upon borough hard assets or what we’ve come to value about living in Harrington Park.
I’ve served as council liaison to two major borough departments, police (six years) and DPW (five years). As DPW chair, I’ve led the borough side of three separate DPW contractual negotiations. As chair of the Police Committee, I’ve led the process that hired six new officers, promoted several others, re-established rank structure within the Department, and amicably concluded a five-year contract with the PBA in 2017.
My most satisfying achievement was in 2014 and 2015 when as the Mayor’s choice to chair an ad hoc committee to finally resolve the eroding face of the Old Burying Ground on Tappan Road which contains the remains of many of our earliest residents, our committee recommended and supervised the installation and completion of an attractive retaining wall that will serve its purpose for decades to come.
The Council works collegially and harmoniously to address issues facing the borough. Some issues are anticipated, and some are not. I think our council has done a fairly good job, especially in light of our 2% budget cap. I hope I’ve justified another term on council.
—Gregory Evanella
Diane Walker*
—Political party: Independent Council Party.
—Age: 54.
—Years of residency: 20.
—Career: Director, Protiviti Inc.
—Education: Bachelor of Science in Economics, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.
—Family: Married, 3 children.
—Past elected experience: Councilwoman in Harrington Park (2016 to present).
It has been my privilege to serve as Councilwoman since March 2016. I believe it is Council’s responsibility to balance what is important to our residents and what we value most about living in Harrington Park with fiscal responsibility. During my tenure, I acted as liaison to Department of Public Works and a member of the Police committee. As DPW Chair, I’ve led two separate contractual negotiations, as well as negotiated a new contract for waste and curbside recycling pick up, including adding “the fifth Thursday.”
I’ve served as Treasurer and Vice President for the HP Home and School Association, as Treasurer for the HP recreational basketball league, and for four years served as either Treasurer and Vice President for the High School Music Parents’ Association. I also served as a Girl Scout leader for five years and taught CCD classes at Our Lady of Victories.
I am a Director at Protiviti, a global business consulting and internal audit firm, specializing in forensic accounting, fraud investigations and anti-corruption consulting and have an economics degree from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, with concentrations in accounting and finance.
If elected, I look forward to applying my analytical skills and experience to streamline municipal operations and bringing a fresh perspective to council decisions. I promise to continue to represent all residents, to be accessible and responsive, and to make decisions that will help our town thrive, while always seeking to maintain the unique and special community that is Harrington Park.
—Diane Walker