Democrats take over in GOP strongholds

Sunday, January 4, 2004
By CATHERINE HOLAHAN and JAN BARRY
STAFF WRITERS

Two North Jersey towns swore in Democratic-controlled governments Saturday, breaking decades-long streaks of Republican rule.

"People said it was time for a change," said Rep. Steve Rothman, D-Fair Lawn, who joined top county and state Democrats in North Arlington for victory speeches and congratulations. "It has happened at every level [of government], including the Congress."

In Ringwood, Democrats also celebrated their new power with speeches and fanfare.

"This is historic," said Eileen Lerro, a Lakeland Regional High School trustee, as she squeezed inside a jam-packed borough hall to witness the seating of four Democrats on the seven-member council.

State Democratic leaders said they have not yet completed a tally of how the party faired statewide on the local level in November elections. In Bergen County, they gained control in River Edge and Maywood as well as North Arlington - bringing the number of county towns under Democratic rule to 25, party leaders said.

In the state Legislature, Democrats gained a majority in the Senate and strengthened their control of the Assembly.

Newly elected Democrats in North Arlington made it clear that their time had finally come. After 20 years of Republican control, the Democrats now hold the mayor's seat and three of the six council positions.

"This is a new day with a new team and a new approach to governing," said Democratic Mayor Russell Pitman, who was joined at a makeshift dais in the high school auditorium by new Democratic council members Carey Ann Rosenblatt and Patrick Roche.

"Patronage, politics, and perks no longer matter," Pitman continued, to loud applause. "The long dark cloud that has hovered over North Arlington is beginning to dissipate."

Pitman and his fellow Democrats pledged to restrict government spending and reexamine the pay and benefits of borough employees.

"The government needs to go on a diet and stay on it," Rosenblatt said in her victory speech to an auditorium filled with supporters. "Those that refuse to read the handwriting on the wall, I suggest you seek other employment."

The council made a series of unanimous new appointments. Sitting Democratic Councilman James Ferriero was appointed council president, Edward P. Rees was hired as borough auditor, and Joseph Marinello was named borough attorney, among other new appointments.

In Ringwood, the Democrats also celebrated their victory with changes to the borough employee roster.

Democratic newcomers Joanne Atlas, Thomas MacAllen, and William O'Hearn were seated on the council Saturday, along with Democratic Mayor Wenke Taule. O'Hearn was selected as deputy mayor. Richard Clemack, the borough attorney for years, was replaced by Joseph Maraziti, the former chairman of the state Planning Commission.

"I am honored and thrilled to have been selected the first woman mayor in Ringwood's history," Taule said to a crowd of supporters that spilled out of the auditorium into the parking lot.

Alluding to the last time Democrats held a council majority, in the mid-1970s, Taule added: "This is the first true reorganization of Ringwood's government in 30 years."

The 2004 council also includes Republicans Scott Heck and William Marsala and former Republican Theodore Taukus, who switched his voter registration last fall to independent.

An anticipated overhaul of the Planning Board was postponed until a special meeting Wednesday after Taule announced that documentation of a current member is being investigated by Maraziti.

"This year the voters of Ringwood sent a clear message - protect our mountains, protect our water, and keep the lines of communication open between the government and the people," Taule said. "This is our mandate and we will work hard to accomplish these goals."

E-mail: holahan@northjersey.com and barry@northjersey.com

Copyright © 2004 North Jersey Media Group Inc.