ENGLEWOOD, N.J.—Englewood’s First Ward City Councilwoman Cheryl Rosenberg—whose term expires this year—will not be running for another term, she announced Jan. 24, opening up the field for other candidates to file for the June 2 primary election.
“It is with mixed emotions that I write to let you know that I will not be running for another term as First Ward Representative for City Council. With thanks to G-d, my children are growing and I am taking a break from serving as an elected official to spend time with them during these important years,” wrote Rosenberg in an email titled “Past, Present and Future.”
The filing deadline for the June 2 primary election is March 30, said county election officials. The winner of the Democratic primary takes on the Republican candidate and other parties’ candidates on November 3, 2020 in the general election.
Rosenberg said she will focus attention on traffic and related public safety issues this year.
Traffic safety forums
“An area of concern throughout my term has been the slow pace with which we are able to improve traffic and safety concerns in Englewood. I have taken on the role of council liaison to the Traffic Advisory Committee for the year, and I look forward to working with the committee as well as the city manager, police department, and key city professionals to quickly upgrade safety matters with a comprehensive, city-wide plan,” she said.
Often during pubic comments, residents cite specific accidents and concerns related to speeding at busy and dangerous intersections city-wide.
Rosenberg said she will hold public forums in spring on specific roads “publicized well in advance” so residents can provide input to the city-wide traffic safety effort.
Council conflict
In spring 2019, Rosenberg publicly called for an investigation of councilman Michael Cohen over what she called “improper and possibly illegal actions on various matters” which included harassing her and her family, spreading lies about her and her family, “and inciting hatred between Jews and African-Americans.”
She also then accused Cohen of implicating her and others in a racially motivated activity.
Cohen strongly disagreed with Rosenberg’s charges, calling what she alleged at the meeting “despicable.”
Rosenberg charged Cohen with discussing personnel decisions with private citizens, charging him with providing “explicit…support” for hiring 15 firefighters who were later terminated by the city for lack of an approved budget.
Ten of the 15 firefighters “conditionally” hired have filed a lawsuit to contest their termination in Bergen County Superior Court, Hackensack. People familiar with the litigation have told Northern Valley Press that a resolution is anticipated soon.
Due to lack of a unanimous vote to investigate Cohen, City Attorney William Bailey said the motion to investigate Cohen could not be added to the council’s agenda that night and was never voted on.
“I am proud of the work the council has done over the past number of years to regain controls on spending, minimize tax increases, and plan for future years appropriately. It has been a pleasure collaborating with my colleagues to improve the ease with which children can access sports and recreation in Englewood,” she said via email.
