Council Woman Mrs. Connie Wagner

My life has been devoted to my family, education and the community of Paramus.  I graduated from Trenton State College in 1970 as a Social/English education major.  Within two weeks of graduating college, I married my husband Richard and we have been married for the past 34 years.  We have three children: Robert, John and Michelle.  My husband and I moved to Paramus in 1974 and we have remained at the same address: 425 Gregory Road.  We fell in love with a small ranch and we have added on as the family grew.  We love the neighborhood and we never had the urge to move.

 
I have been working in the field of education for 34 years.  If someone told me in 1970 that I would be working for so many years, I never would have believed it.   Education has been good to me.  I love working with teenagers and teenagers keep me grounded.  I worked for six years as an English/Social Studies teacher in the Bogota school system.  I studied for my Masters Degree at Montclair State University and received my degree in 1975 in Student Personnel Services.  I became a guidance counselor in 1976 and throughout the years, I also served as the Director of Guidance in Bogota High School.  About eight years ago, I took a job at Paramus High School where I am employed as a guidance counselor.  I love working and living in the same town.  I enjoy working with families and I feel that I have an advantage in working with children in Paramus since I know so many families having had my children go through the system as well as being an active member of the Paramus Municipal Pool for the past thirty years.
 
How did I get involved in local government?  Twenty nine years ago, I went to the pool in search of friendships.  My mother had died six weeks before my first child was born and I truly was at a loss.  I met Renee Tedesco, the Mayor’s wife and a life long friendship developed.  As time went on, I became President of the parents Swim Team Association and an advocate for swimming.  Both Renee and I shared common interests and our children grew up together.  I love the Paramus Municipal Pool and through the years each summer, I meet my summer friends at the pool.  Five years ago, I was nominated to serve on the pool commission and after my first year, I was elected Chair.  During my two years, we replaced the playground at the pool, purchased a new fencing, installed new decorative lighting and began the process for replacing the pool deck.  Emergency Services Day and Senior Day were two new celebrations at the pool.
 
I was asked to run for Council by the Paramus Democratic Organization and I will always treasure the campaign days and the many opportunities I had to meet people.  To serve on the Council is a great experience I thoroughly enjoy.  I have worked with the Shade Tree and Parks, Rescue, Administration, Library, Pool, Police Committee, OEM, July 4th and the Paramus Fritz Behnke Historical Museum.  This year I will have the pleasure of serving the Seniors as Council Liaison.
 
I am pleased with the opportunity to work with the many wonderful borough employees, department heads and volunteers.  Paramus is fortunate to have the best people working for them.  We are a blessed community.