Politics & Government

Hauser, Murray Join Caldwell Council

Republicans sworn in at borough's re-organization meeting.

The last year has been a triumphant one for the Hauser family.

In November, Richard Hauser earned a seat on the Caldwell borough council.

But more importantly, the newly elected councilman's mother, Helen, overcame her fight with cancer.

Find out what's happening in Caldwellswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

On Friday, Helen Hauser swore her son into office at the Caldwell town council's annual re-organization meeting in front of a standing-room only crowd at borough hall.

"My mother has been through quite a battle the last two years with cancer. It's a miracle, frankly, that she's with us today," Richard Hauser said as he fought back tears. "I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to be here with her."

Find out what's happening in Caldwellswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In addition to Hauser, fellow Republican Peter Murray also took the oath of office, which was presented to him by his brother, Tim. Hauser and Murray replace outgoing councilmen Jeff Curley and Richard Brennan.

"I welcome two new council members to the dais in 2010," Mayor Susan Gartland said. "I hope they and all members up here keep their eyes on the goal of 2010 to do the best for the residents of Caldwell. I will miss Jeff Curley and Dick Brennan and thank them for their years of service to the Borough of Caldwell.

"[Democrats] Kay Slattery and I are looking forward to a roller-coaster ride for 2010, but I know we are tough and we will hang in for that ride. The Republican council members have an opportunity to bring a hopeful and positive spirit to Caldwell and I hope they take advantage of that opportunity instead of getting caught up with the negative picture of Caldwell that was presented in 2009. The election is over. Let's move on."

Before moving on to the new year, Gartland reviewed the accomplishments the borough achieved in 2009. Among those were the upgrades to the police desk, including state-of-the-art radios and 911 equipment; the pavement of several borough roadways and improvements to the Caldwell Community Center, including new exercise equipment and bathroom lockers and repairs to the pool and heating and cooling system.

The ongoing rejuvenation of Caldwell's downtown remains one of Gartland's priorities for 2010 after significant strides were made over the last year with the addition of the summer farmer's market, the increased turnouts for the fall festival and street fair in addition to the Winter Wonderland event at Flowerland and the inaugural Gold Rush initiative.

Now Gartland said there's a new slogan for 2010: Take a chance, shop and dine in Caldwell.

"As I've said in years past, our downtown is vital to Caldwell and I'm hoping that 2010 will bring much success to our stores and restaurants," she said. "Take a chance, shop and dine in Caldwell. That's going to be our motto for the next year."

In addition to having two new members, the council, which will be headed by newly appointed president, Ann Dassing, will also face the transition of a new municipal attorney. Gregory Mascera has been appointed to the position after the retirement of longtime municipal attorney Stuart Koenig.

"I will surely miss Stuart Koenig, our longtime borough attorney," Gartland said. "His knowledge of municipal law was astounding and his clear thinking was always profound. Many mayors of different parties have depended upon his sage guidance and advice and Mr. Mascera has big shoes to fill, but I know he'll do a good job."

Here's a list of appointments that were announced Friday:

Planning Board (Appointment by mayor)

Ann E. Martin, class IV member, term expires Dec. 31, 2011

Councilman Peter Murray, class III member, term expires Dec. 31, 2010

Kenneth Mihalik, class IV member, term expires Dec. 31, 2013

Christopher Esposito, alternative No. 2, term expires Dec. 31, 2010

Zoning Board of Adjustment (Appointed by mayor with council's consent)

Joseph Testa, term expires Dec. 31, 2012

Richard Brennan, alternate No. 2, term expires Dec. 31, 2010

Library Board of Trustees

Clair Beth Nogay, term expires Dec. 31, 2014

Christine Corliss, term expires Dec. 31, 2014

Nancy Kaplan, term expires Dec. 31, 2014

Jane Bestys, term expires Dec. 31, 2013

Cindy Kellenberger, term expires Dec. 31, 2010

Susan Gartland, council representative

Board of Health

Betty Sullivan, term expires Dec. 31, 2012

E. William Edge, term expires Dec. 31, 2012

Councilman Kay Slattery, council representative

Local Assistance Board

Iva Hemmel, term expires Dec. 31, 2013

Councilman Kay Slattery, council representative

Rent Review Board

Suzanne Pemrick, tenant alternative, term expires Dec. 31, 2012

Councilman Peter Murrary, council representative

Environmental Commission

Nancy Massoto, term expires Dec. 31, 2012

Ann Marchioni, term expires Dec. 31, 2012

Ann E. Martin, term expires Dec. 31, 2010

Evelyn Ponchek, alternate, term expires Dec. 31, 2011

Councilman Kay Slattery, council representative

Open Space Trust Committee

Maureen Ruane, borough administrator, term expires Dec. 31, 2010

Councilman Ann Dassing, council representative, term expires Dec. 31, 2010

Ann Finnegan, planning board member, term expires Dec. 31, 2012

Sally Garson, environmental commission member, Dec. 31, 2010

John Coyle, resident, term expires Dec. 31, 2012

Annual Appointments

Mayor's Advisory Council on Senior Citizens

Manny Ferrara

Gloria Corrado

Henderson Cole

Thomas J. Gartland

Stanley C. Bestys

John Castano

James McHugh

Councilman Kay Slattery, council representative

Board of Education

Eva Ogens

Councilman Kay Slattery, council representative

Camp Wyanokie

Jeffrey Weinman

Councilman Richard Hauser, council representative

The Bridge

Councilman Kay Slattery, council representative

Community Development

Councilman Joseph Norton

Maureen Ruane, borough administrator

Official Borough Photographer

Louis J. Ginefra

Borough Arborist

Al Ferrentino, Green Maple Landscaping

New Jersey Council Motion Picture Development

Lisa O'Neill

Liaison to the Grover Cleveland Birthplace

Dr. David Cowell

Senior Citizen Transportation Committee

Manny Ferrara

Peter Pirrello

Councilman Kay Slattery, council representative

Tree Removal Committee

Doris Halprin, arborist

Edward Broheimer, tree expert

Councilman Richard Hauser

Councilman Ann Dassing

Donald Neil Aharrah, environmental commission

Maureen Ruane, borough administrator

Annual Professional Appointment

Municipal attorney—Gregory Mascera

Borough prosecutor—Joseph DeFuria

Borough engineer—Glenn Beckmeyer

Public defender—James Pomaco

Licensed water operator—William Frint

Municipal zoning officer—Paul Milani

Municipal court judge—Donald O'Connor

Licensed sewer operator—Gregory Seaman


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