TENAFLY, N.J.—On Jan. 4, Mark Zinna was sworn in as mayor of Tenafly by state Sen. Loretta Weinberg. The historic event marked the borough’s first change in leadership in 16 years as former Mayor Peter Rustin’s four terms as mayor concluded.
“Over the next 12 months, I am focusing on three over-riding priorities, all of which are about delivering quality services and enhancing our sense of a Tenafly community: roads and traffic safety; green spaces and recreation; and our downtown,” said Zinna.
In a tribute to Rustin—a noted dog lover whose own pets are often seen with him around town—Zinna said Tenafly’s long-awaited dog park on Grove Street will be named in his honor, which brought forth a standing ovation.
Zinna has a history of public service
Zinna, a member of the Tenafly Borough Council from 2012 through 2019, has also served as a Planning Board member and as its council representative, as well as many borough committees. Originally from New York City, he, his wife Simone and their four sons have made Tenafly their home for 18 years. Zinna has owned businesses in the restaurant, home building, and data management fields.
Zinna thanked the dignitaries present, as well as his wife Simone, his daughters Elizabeth and Colette and his son William, for attending his swearing-in. He also thanked the DPW employees, the borough hall employees and members of boards and committees, “all who serve our Tenafly community.” Zinna also recognized former mayors, council members and members of the Board of Education present.
Council members sworn in; appointments made
Also at the meeting, the Hon. Mindy Michaels Roth administered the Oath of Office to Councilman Adam Michaels and U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell administered the Oath of Office to Councilman Daniel Park.
Adams and Park both won a contested Democratic Primary in June 2019, defeating now former Councilman Maxim Basch.
William R. McClure was again borough attorney and Councilman Jeffrey Grossman was unanimously elected 2020 council president.
Appointed at the meeting, the following individuals and firms will serve the borough in 2020: Ruderman Roth, LLC, labor counsel; Lerch, Vinci & Higgins, LLP, borough auditor; Winne, Banta, Basralian, & Kahn, P.C., bond counsel; Maser Consulting, P.A., borough engineer; Andrew Cimiluca, first alternate municipal prosecutor; Gloria Oh, second alternate municipal prosecutor; Jordan Yuelys, public defender; Robert Metzdorf, first alternate public defender; Linda Khorozian, second alternate public defender; and Paul Stefanowicz, borough historian.
Additional appointments were made to the borough’s boards and commissions and council liaisons were selected.
Praise for Peter Rustin
Each council member as well as Weinberg thanked Rustin for his 16 years of service and dedication to the community. Several guests, including state Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle, approached the microphone in the gallery to offer their praise as well.
Huttle thanked him for his many years of service, and said, “Peter has always served with respect, ethics, morals and dignity.”
Councilwoman Lauren Dayton then unveiled a framed portrait of Rustin that she awarded to him, and Tenafly CFO Susan Corrado presented him with a gift.
Rustin gave a gracious “thank you” to all for having the faith to let him serve for four terms. There were broad smiles throughout the room as he called out to his wife, Jane, “Honey, I’m coming home!”
Maxim Basch was also praised for his tenure on the council.
“I have always made sure that every penny that is spent is spent for the people of Tenafly,” Basch said.
The swearing-in ceremonies were attended by over 150 people. Dozens of the elected officials friends and family members were also attended by state Assemblyman Gordon Johnson, Alpine Mayor Paul Tomasko, Bergen County Freeholder Tracy Zur, former Mayor Len Nicolosi, former Englewood Mayor Steve Rothman, former Councilman Jon Warms, former Councilman Pat Rouse, former Englewood Councilman and Freeholder Doug Bern, Bergen County Clerk John Hogan and other community leaders.