PARK RIDGE—Three-term Democratic mayor Keith Misciagna and his two Democratic running mates, Robert C. Metzdorf and Michael Mintz, both former councilmen, were sworn in to their new terms at the borough’s Jan. 2 reorganization meeting.
“This is a real great night for me. Not only did I get reelected mayor which I’m extremely grateful to all of the residents for giving me another term. I think my wife thinks i’m crazy. I still think we have work to be done and i’m happy to do it,” said Misciagna, starting his ninth year as mayor.
He noted he was “being joined by two exceptional guys” — returning councilmen Robert Metzdorf and Michael Mintz — whom he said have devoted countless hours volunteering on committees and boards assisting the borough.
Misciagna was sworn in by Bergen County Commissioners’ Chairman Thomas Sullivan. Following the mayor’s formal installation, both Metzdorf and Mintz were administered the oath of office by Misciagna and took their seats on the dais. By a unanimous 6-0 vote, councilman John Ferguson was elected council president.
After the oaths of office and council president election, Misciagna offered a look back at 2023 and ahead to 2024.
Misciagna recognized three residents who had passed on in 2023 and the impacts each had on the town. He mentioned Dick Bozzone, Peggy Scheulen, and Melville Beer. “It’s going to be sad not to have these three individuals with us,” said the mayor.
“These three people are the kind of residents we should all aspire to be: caring, involved and giving. Park Ridge will miss them all. Let’s please take a moment of silence to remember them,” he added.