It was clear since the results of the November Council elections were finalized that Teaneck’s Council was going to be dramatically affected by the election win of 3 female members of the Rise for Teaneck slate. But the slim victory of Elie Y. Katz over that slate’s 4th candidate, Chondra Young, appeared to cement the continuing hold by the majority of the prior Council. Rumors flew throughout the Town for 2 months as to who the new Council would select – from its on members – as Mayor. So, after the swearing in and Athenian oath, came this astonishing 3-minutes – Click it
The large assembled re-organization meeting crowd in the Rodda Center gym appeared to respond enthusiastically to this result. It did seem to implement into Council power relationships what the Township’s electorate had signaled. For the first time, a Latino mayor. But recriminations and accusations soon flew – as so often happens given the process of Mayoralty selection which flows from Teaneck’s version of the Faulkner Act. An example of how disconcerting for some was Council member Orgen’s decision to request that the following statement be included in the draft minutes of this Council session.
After the meeting, Councilwoman Orgen provided the attached note regarding the vote: “At our January 3rd reorganization I was shocked by the nomination of Michael Pagan for the position of Mayor. I was shaken by his voting for himself next to me after giving his support to Councilman Schwartz. I checked my own name on my ballot and only when you called the roll did I realize what I had done. At no point did I intend to vote for anyone other than Mark for Mayor, and while I can’t change my vote, I ask that this statement be included in the minutes.”
Is this the best way to choose a Mayor and select the distribution of decision-making authority?
