Mayor and Council Reorganization Meeting 1-6-09

Meeting 01-06-09 Escorted into the Council Chambers by Councilman Rich Conte was Councilwoman-elect Cathy Bentz. Councilman Rich LaBarbiera did the honors for Councilwoman-elect Maureen O'Brien. After a Presentation of Colors by the Police Honor Guard under the watchful eye of Paramus Police Chief Richard Cary and the Invocation by Monsignor Joseph Slinger, the swearing in ceremonies took place.

Former US Attorney Christopher Christie was on hand to swear in Bentz while O'Brien had a former Paramus Councilwoman do her honors. It was interesting to watch our two newest council people get accustomed to the microphone as they progressed into Council business. They were fast learners!

Mayor Tedesco gave his State of the Borough Message and, as was the underlying theme throughout, mentioned the poor economy and the need to be stringent this year. Tedesco also proudly mentioned that the 2008 Council had provided more services during the year than previously without the need to raise taxes.

After installing the various Department Chiefs and official mention of the Reorganization Meeting, Mayor Tedesco appointed Denis Niland as Council President. The majority of the Mayor's selection for the various Borough positions went through unanimously. Negative votes were registered for the Borough Administrator, Borough Prosecutor, Public Defender and OEM Coordinator. The Mayor's selections were upheld.

Among the Mayor's appointees whose names were familiar to me were: Jim Hoffman, Ed Onorato, Lee Gall, Mario Sicari, Cliff Gennarelli, Jr., Mark Distler, Ian Shore, Rev. Joseph Kwialkowski, Joseph Niland and Joseph Smaha.

Among the standing room only audience, among others from memory, I noticed Pat O'Brien, Sam and Elaine Casiello, Len Goldblatt, Tommy LoCicero, Len LoPinto, Ralph Amato, Mary Ann and Rich Siniscalchi. Eileen McDowell, Janis Kohl, Rich and Margaret Abbamont, Don Adler, Captain Jim Sheehan, Mark Casiello, Terry and Lou Romano, Rich Lambert, Jean Payoczkowski, several of the LaBarbiera boys and Katie O'Donnell.