PARK RIDGE—The borough’s annual reorganization meeting on Jan. 3 saw two new council members, Republicans Bruce Goldsmith and Gregory Hoffman, sworn in before nearly 50 residents, including family, friends, and well-wishers.
Bruce Goldsmith was sworn in by Republican Sen. Holly Schepisi (39th District). Gregory Hoffman was sworn in by Republican Assemblyman Robert Auth (39th District).
Council president is William Fenwick.
Hoffman contacted Pascack Press Jan. 5 with a joint statement from himself and Goldsmith.
“Thank you to all those who supported our campaign, and especially to the voters who placed their confidence in both of us. We thank Rob Metzdorf and Kelly Epstein for their service to the town, their warm greeting, and their offering of help in transition as we take our seats as new council members,” said Hoffman.
He said, “It has been an exciting few months meeting with the community and hearing some of the concerns of our neighbors. Now the real work begins. We are excited to work with Mayor Keith Misciagna and the rest of the council, as well as with all town employees and volunteers. It requires a great collective effort to make Park Ridge the great town that it is. We promise to do our part to always fight for the town’s best interests and to put Park Ridge first.”
Misciagna delivered his 2023 address then administered oaths to officers in the volunteer fire department, police reserves, and borough officials, including borough historian.
We have asked Misciagna for details about his address and are waiting to hear back.
Other mayoral appointments made included school traffic guards, Board of Health, Board of Public Works, Library Board, Local Assistance Board, Municipal Swim Pool Commission, Zoning Board of Adjustment, and Planning Board.
Numerous mayoral appointments were made to volunteer committees such as PKRG cable TV, DARE, Municipal Alliance, Historical Advisory, Train Station Preservation, Recreation & Cultural, Diversity and Inclusion, Shade Tree/Garden Club, Open Space, Technology, Green Team, Economic Development, Mayor’s Wellness, Hall Of Fame, and Mayor’s Housing Task Force.
The mayor announced appointments to nine standing committees and 29 council liaisons to local boards and committees.
In the Nov. 8 election, incumbent Democrats narrowly lost in Park Ridge, as the winning Republicans topped ncumbent Democrats Robert Metzdorf and Kelly Epstein.
Hoffman’s 1,995 votes (25.95%) and Goldsmith’s 1,944 votes (25.24%) beat back Metzdorf’s 1,919 votes (24.91%) and Epstein’s 1,840 votes (23.89%).
