PASCACK VALLEY—Five council races are contested in the Pascack Valley this Nov. 5, with Republicans and Democrats competing for seats.
Here’s a rundown of the candidates and their views in Westwood and Woodcliff Lake, and a quick look at the incumbents running unopposed in Montvale and River Vale. Washington Township gets a breather from council campaigning this year.
For our report on candidates vying for seats in neighboring towns, see “Pascack Press Election Guide 2024: Emerson, Hillsdale, and Park Ridge” by Michael Olohan, Oct. 4. We’re also running an Emerson profile piece in this issue to add information subsequently added to the web version of the story.
Westwood
In Westwood, there are two seats in the balance. Vying are Republican incumbents Cheryl L. Hodges and Anthony J. Greco, and Democratic challengers Kris S. Rasmussen and Lisa Bontemps.
We asked the candidates about the $1 million FEMA grant to elevate four flood-prone homes, a drone study of Pascack Brook to help mitigate flooding, and a $200,000 state-funded study by Stevens Institute of Technology to maximize reservoir capacity and minimize flooding.
Bontemps and Rasmussen said, “Grants like these are helpful and needed… However, more long-term solutions for the Pascack Valley are still necessary to address climate change and give residents greater relief.”
Regarding the FIRO study, they said, “We support data-driven efforts… We also need access to county resources to dredge waterways across neighboring municipalities.”
If elected, they said their focus would be on: helping older residents age in place, encouraging volunteerism, expanding partnerships with businesses and nonprofits, and improving communication and transparency.
Hodges and Greco responded as a team, stating, “FEMA grants provide a welcome option for residents to remain in their homes… However, self-funding, living elsewhere during construction, and acting as general contractors can be daunting.”
On the drone study, they said it identified “problem areas” in four towns and will help in collaborating on remediation and seeking grants to restore capacity and flow to reservoirs.
They called the FIRO study “a first step” that will support legislation requiring reservoir operators to adopt flood mitigation protocols.
If reelected, they will focus on parking and pedestrian safety, upgrading lighting, public health programming, senior services, and preserving open space to mitigate flooding.
Woodcliff Lake
In Woodcliff Lake, incumbent Democratic Councilwoman Jennifer Friedberg Margolis and newcomer Brian J. Magrogan seek two open seats. Longtime Councilwoman Jacqueline Gadaleta is not running for reelection. Their Republican challengers are newcomers Morgan Mazor and Christopher Bonanno.
We asked the candidates about Valley Chabad’s move into a commercially zoned building, ways to increase tax revenues given the depressed office market and Hilton closure, and their priorities if elected.
Magrogan said, “It’s important to support everyone in our community… I’m glad Valley Chabad found that space for them.”
On increasing revenues, he said the focus should be on attracting new businesses to Broadway and Chestnut Ridge Road and developing a plan to refresh those areas.
He said his top priorities include: business corridor development, ensuring projects are completed properly, and bringing the community together through town events.
Margolis praised Valley Chabad’s move, saying, “As the demand for office space changes, organizations have more options… Valley Chabad found the perfect space.”
She suggested creating a chamber of commerce and working with the economic development committee to attract companies to Woodcliff Lake. If reelected, she will focus on a recreation blueprint, road safety, community events, and securing grant funding.
Bonanno said, “As a proud supporter of our community’s rich cultural tapestry, I’m thrilled Valley Chabad found a new home… I applaud their efforts.”
On increasing tax revenue, he said, “We have a unique opportunity… Let’s partner with the new owners of the Hilton and BMW property to bring in projects that boost our tax base.”
He pledged to focus on revitalizing neglected spaces, balanced growth, and fiscal stewardship.
Mazor echoed support for Valley Chabad and proposed repurposing underutilized office space to attract new businesses.
If elected, she will focus on reducing the tax burden, responsible development, public safety, and revitalizing community amenities.
Montvale, River Vale
Montvale incumbents Dieter Koelling and Ann-Marie Russo-Vogelsang are running unopposed.
River Vale incumbents Ari Ben-Yishay, John P. Donovan, and Paul Criscuolo are running unopposed. We invite their views on such issues as Montvale’s lawsuit challenging affordable housing obligations and River Vale’s under-construction public safety complex.
