PASCACK VALLEY—Park Ridge Mayor Keith Misciagna joined U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-5) for a telephone town hall July 22 focused on affordability concerns facing North Jersey residents, including health care costs, prescription drug prices, Social Security, Medicare, utility bills, and taxes.
The virtual event brought together thousands of residents from across the Fifth Congressional District, according to Gottheimer’s office.
Misciagna was among several local officials and community leaders who participated in the discussion, which also included Pete Andreyev, president of the New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association; Bergen County Commissioner Chairman Steve Tanelli; Fort Lee Councilman Paul Yoon; and the Rev. Peter Wang of Grace Redeemer Church in Glen Rock.
During the discussion, Gottheimer highlighted his efforts to lower health care and prescription drug costs, including proposals aimed at reducing prescription drug prices and addressing pharmacy benefit manager practices. He also discussed efforts to protect Social Security and Medicare, reduce taxes, address rising utility costs, support law enforcement and first responders, and return federal funding to New Jersey communities.
“This Telephone Town Hall gave me the chance to speak directly with residents about the issues that matter most to North Jersey families,” Gottheimer said in a statement. “I’m focused on cutting taxes and lowering costs to keep more money in your pockets.”
Misciagna used the opportunity to highlight federal, state, and county support secured for Park Ridge projects, including a $3.4 million federal grant to help treat the borough’s water system.
“The congressman asked me to participate and I mentioned our success in getting grants on all the various levels,” Misciagna said in an email.
Misciagna called the funding “a historic grant for Park Ridge” and credited Gottheimer and his staff, along with borough employees, for helping make it possible.
“We will continue to work the Congressman’s staff to save money for our taxpayers,” Misciagna said.
The mayor also noted that Park Ridge has received historic preservation and open space grants, which he said have helped save residents millions of dollars while allowing the borough to invest in community projects.
Misciagna said he appreciated the opportunity to discuss the borough’s efforts and thanked the congressman for his support.