HILLSDALE, N.J.—On Sunday, Jan. 5, Hillsdale reorganized its government as incumbent Republican Mayor John Ruocco was sworn in as mayor by state Assemblyman Robert Auth (R–Old Tappan).
The unopposed Ruocco chalked up 1,658 votes, outpolling all candidates.
Incumbent Borough Republican Councilman Frank Pizzella—whom former Mayor Doug Frank publicly opposed due to an alleged role in the departure of the former administrator/chief financial officer—won reelection and was sworn in by Borough Attorney Mark Madaio.
Pizzella had also been leading efforts to declare a former 14-acre industrial area as a redevelopment zone. Part of the problem stemmed from delays during negotiations with Waste Management, which once operated a transfer station downtown in the borough.
In mid-November, the borough council awarded a contract to a consultant to create a redevelopment plan for 17 of 23 property lots in the redevelopment area.
What land uses will be proposed to go there has not yet been determined, said officials.
New Republican Councilwoman Janetta Trochimiuk, who grabbed 1,445 votes, was sworn in by her daughter Daniella Pascaru, an attorney.