WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — Two Republican incumbents and two Democratic challengers are seeking two Borough Council seats Nov. 3, with development, municipal spending and schools among their priorities.
This roundup summarizes the candidates’ stated positions and campaign priorities. Julie Brodsky and Joshua Stern, the Republican incumbents, answered a question about development jointly. Democratic challengers Aleisia Gibson Wright and Eric Bittman responded individually.
Brodsky and Stern
Brodsky and Stern say their approach to New Jersey’s affordable-housing requirements seeks to limit new construction while strengthening the borough’s tax base. They cite senior-designated units, supportive housing and townhomes with elevators as ways they sought to meet housing obligations while reducing potential school enrollment.
“We wish we didn’t have to build any new development, but the BMW and Hilton sites will be tremendous projects that will stabilize and strengthen Woodcliff Lake’s tax base and will not change the small town nature of our town,” they wrote.
The incumbents say they have discussed school capacity with local and regional school boards. They also say discussions about sharing development revenue to help offset additional school costs remain ongoing.
Their other priorities include controlling borough spending, renovating recreation facilities, repaving roads, updating police technology and expanding community events.
They point to Springfest’s restoration, the Woodcliff Wednesdays concert series, expanded municipal communications and a five-year police labor agreement among their accomplishments.
Brodsky, a 20-year resident, is a longtime Bloomingdale’s retail executive who has volunteered with the Parent Faculty Association and local athletic programs. Stern, a seven-year resident and commercial litigator, has twice served as council president.
Gibson Wright
Gibson Wright calls for closer scrutiny of development incentives and public comparisons of payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreements, or PILOTs, with conventional property taxation.
“Woodcliff Lake is a place where developers already want to build. They don’t need a tax break to come here,” she said.
She proposes public information sessions before major land-use votes, advance publication of development plans and financial updates written in plain language.
“Residents deserve to shape these decisions while their input can still make a difference,” she said.
Gibson Wright also advocates a strategy to attract businesses as commercial properties become residential. Her priorities include affordability, student civic engagement, environmental stewardship, improved sidewalks and a multiyear plan for the borough’s pool, fields and courts.
A nine-year resident, Gibson Wright is a healthcare communications executive and agency founder. She serves on the Pascack Hills School Safety Council.
Eric Bittman
Bittman emphasizes the combined effects of new housing on schools, infrastructure, traffic and property taxes.
“New development should not overwhelm our schools or place an unfair financial burden on existing residents,” he said.
He calls for greater transparency about development’s long-term financial effects and careful evaluation of municipal financial commitments.
“Growth must be carefully managed to preserve the character and quality of life that make Woodcliff Lake special,” he said.
His other priorities include responsible spending, improved communication with residents, recreation and bipartisan cooperation. He proposes working with the Board of Education to improve soccer and baseball fields, restore tennis courts and provide usable basketball facilities.
An 11-year resident, Bittman is the founder and owner of Warren London Dog Products and a former tax accountant. He volunteers as a girls’ soccer coach.