Politics & Government

West Caldwell Council President Retiring

Rich Otterbein served 9 years on the West Caldwell Council.

Long time Councilman and citizen volunteer Richard C. Otterbein has decided not to seek re-election and retire from the West Caldwell Governing Body at the end of this year. Council President Otterbein ran successfully for Council in 2005 and was re-elected for two additional terms in 2008 and 2011.

Affectionately known as the “Chairman” to his colleagues on Council, Otterbein has the distinction of being the first West Caldwell citizen volunteer in modern history to be nominated by his peers as Chairman of the West Caldwell Planning Board, and then some years later, he was nominated as Chairman of the West Caldwell Zoning Board of Adjustment.

When asked about Council President Otterbein’s retirement, West Caldwell Mayor Joseph Tempesta stated, “We will all sorely miss Council President Rich Otterbein. Rich has been a friend to this community for years and has been a personal friend for nearly 30 years. I believe that Rich and his wife Carol and the entire Otterbein family are among the finest West Caldwell citizens in our community’s 110 year history. Occasionally I will use a term to describe someone I know well who has earned a great deal of respect-and that term is a fine American. Without question or hesitation, Rich Otterbein is among the finest of all Americans. Rich is one the most passionate and caring members of Council I have ever served with over the years. His love for his family and the community of West Caldwell is legendary. His advice and direction was always well thought out and sound. I know he is looking forward to spending the extra time available with his family especially his granddaughter Carolyn.  May God Bless Rich Otterbein and his family.”

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In addition to his 9 years on West Caldwell Council, Otterbein served for many years on the planning board and zoning board of adjustment as well as serving for over 40 years as a volunteer Fireman for the Township of West Caldwell.

A retirement jubilee/roast is being planned for Council President Otterbein later this year or early next year. A public announcement will be made once plans are in place.

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

Submitted by Michael Docteroff


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