ENGLEWOOD, N.J.—New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy attended the Englewood City Council Reorganization meeting on Jan. 7 to officiate over the swearing in of Michael Wildes as mayor of Englewood.
The Englewood Municipal Courthouse was a “Who’s Who” of Bergen County’s prominent citizens, dignitaries, clergy, and special guests who had gathered for the historic event that also included the swearing in of Charles Cobb as councilman-at-large by state Assemblyman Gordon Johnson.
Wildes brings a wealth of experience to the city, including serving two terms as mayor from 2004 to 2010. He is the managing partner with the leading immigration law firm of Wildes and Weinberg, P.C. He is an adjunct professional at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in New York and he teaches business immigration law. Wildes is a former federal prosecutor with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Brooklyn and a frequent participant on professional panels and a commentator on network television with regard to corporate immigration law, employer sanction work and compliance. He is the author of “Safe Haven in America: Battles to Pen the Golden Door.” Wildes also previously served two terms on the Englewood council.
Leon Wildes commented on his son’s achievements: “I am very proud of Michael, and I’m excited to see all that he will come up with in this term as mayor. I am amazed by all his energy and I appreciate just watching him in action!”
Wildes’ daughter, Raquel, was also beaming with pride at her father.
“I am so proud of our dad,” she said. “He is such a great role model.”
Alice Wildes added, “Whatever Michael takes on, he does to the fullest. I know in his heart that he will take care of all the people of Englewood!”
At 7 p.m., the reorganization meeting was called to order by Council President Wayne Hamer. The Englewood Police and Fire Department Honor Guard led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a soulful rendition of “God Bless America” sung by Stephan Marcellus accompanied by Brody Greif on guitar.
This was followed by an invocation given by Rev. Eddie Spencer of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church.
Bergen County Clerk John Hogan officially certified the election and praised Wildes and Cobb for their respective landslide wins.
As he took center stage, Murphy thanked outgoing Mayor Frank Huttle III for his ongoing support and his vision in moving the city forward.
Murphy recognized many of the dignitaries and elected officials with whom he has had a personal friendship, such as Bergen County Sheriff Anthony Cureton and U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell.
“This extraordinary array of leaders here tonight tells you something about Englewood,” said Murphy. “I travel up and down the state literally every day of my life, and I can tell you that this is a truly consequential community by virtue of its diversity, its legacy, its history, its extraordinary talent and opportunity. Englewood embodies the very best in this great state!”
Murphy praised Wildes for his record of service before initiating his oath of office. Wildes’ father, Leon, held the Bible and Wildes was also surrounded by his wife Amy, Leon’s wife Alice, daughter Raquel and her husband Aryeh Genet.
Wildes congratulated Cobb and thanked the council and his family. He then gave an overview of his campaign and vision for the future.
“We launched our campaign last March with a small group of friends, neighbors, and even some former political adversaries sitting around my dining room table talking about what our community needed,” Wildes began. “The financial challenges we are facing are well documented, and they were certainly an impetus for me to get back into the ring. I saw the need to return to the progressive, exciting place I knew Englewood could be, and that birthed the theme of my campaign that I plan, with the help of the City Council and all of you here tonight, to make the centerpiece of my new administration—renewing Englewood!”
He continued, “As my first action as mayor, I will be nominating a diverse, experienced and caring group of Englewood residents to the various volunteer boards and commissions that help shape policy in our government,” Wildes said. “I am also empaneling a new body: The Mayor’s Cultural Affairs Committee, in areas like arts and entertainment, clergy, commemorative, community, economic, and wellness, so that new voices can bring their talent and ideas to the community.”
Wildes also pledged to promote new land use and zoning to encourage businesses to prosper and to address the needs of seniors and children.
In his conclusion, Wildes said, “As I did during the campaign, I will continue to be open, transparent and accessible to residents, both in traditional settings like City Hall and by using new approaches like social media,” he said. “I will be a mayor who listens to the residents and works with them hand in hand for our city’s future. This I promise to you all!”
Cobb, a third generation Englewood resident and a certified financial service auditor (CFSA) professional with 35 years of experience, was also featured at the meeting following his successful reelection.
Cobb has also served as council liaison to the Planning Board, the Englewood Economic Development Corp., the mayor’s Budget and Finance Committee, the Englewood Housing Authority, and chairman of the Englewood Democratic Municipal Committee.
Assemblyman Johnson spoke highly of Cobb’s achievements.
“Charles Cobb has been in this city for generations. He has a vision and holds the values that we all share and will make us better,” said Johnson. “However, Charles Cobb is also a numbers person and he is realistic when it comes to what we can afford. I’m so glad that we have him!”
As Cobb placed his hand on the Bible, held by his son Brian, he was sworn in by Johnson. He then expressed his gratitude to the council and the people of Englewood.
Following the annual council reorganization protocol, there was also an election for council president. Katharine Glynn was elected to the position, and Cobb was selected as elect president pro tempore.
The meeting also included speeches by former Mayor Huttle, state Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle, and Sheriff Cureton.
With Glynn officiating as council president, the rest of the city council reorganization meeting included the adoption of the resolutions on the Unanimous Consent Agenda and a public session. The meeting concluded with a benediction by Rabbi Chaim Poupko of Congregation Ahavath Torah.
CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article stated Katharine Glynn was the first woman to ever serve as the Englewood City Council president. Priscilla McKenna, Charlotte Bennett Schoen and Lynne Algrant are all women who have previously served as Engelwood City Council presidents.