Packed House for Local Candidates
May 31, 2009 Filed in: Politics
On May 21, 2009, three candidates for mayor and two
for the council-at-large seat in Englewood’s June 2
Democratic primary appeared at the annual Candidates
Night sponsored by the League of Women Voters
(LWV). The venue was as usual the Public Safety
Complex, but, not as usual, there was standing room
only. This is likely due to the fact that four
of the five candidates are new faces for most
voters. The exception is Third-Ward Councilman
Scott Reddin who is running for mayor. The
standard LWV format strictly limits the time for
candidate statements, for questions from the public,
and for answers to those questions. The moderator,
Peggy Kabokow from Demarest, strictly enforced these
rules and successfully maintained order throughout.
Incumbent mayor Michael Wildes announced several months ago his decision not to run for reelection. Of the candidates to succeed him, Reddin stressed his “proven track record” and record of accomplishments in seven years as Councilman. Dierdre Glenn Paul, who is Chair of the Democratic Municipal Committee, spoke of her interest in education and health issues and her leadership experience. Frank Huttle, who was endorsed by that Committee, pointed out his professional qualifications as a lawyer and accountant and his success in creating the Bergen Performing Arts Center.
The council-at-large seat is currently held by Gordon Johnson, who is also State Assemblyman from District 37. Johnson is running for reelection as assemblyman but has chosen to relinquish the council seat. Of four original candidates to succeed him, Horace Ragbir and Vince Monden have withdrawn, leaving political newcomers Lynne Algrant, who has the Municipal Committee endorsement, and Jason Snyder. Algrant detailed her experience as a management consultant, in communication, and in leadership training. Snyder pointed out his background as a corporate finance lawyer and his leadership position in Bergen Grassroots, a good government advocate.
More complete statements from all five candidates are available elsewhere on this site.
Incumbent mayor Michael Wildes announced several months ago his decision not to run for reelection. Of the candidates to succeed him, Reddin stressed his “proven track record” and record of accomplishments in seven years as Councilman. Dierdre Glenn Paul, who is Chair of the Democratic Municipal Committee, spoke of her interest in education and health issues and her leadership experience. Frank Huttle, who was endorsed by that Committee, pointed out his professional qualifications as a lawyer and accountant and his success in creating the Bergen Performing Arts Center.
The council-at-large seat is currently held by Gordon Johnson, who is also State Assemblyman from District 37. Johnson is running for reelection as assemblyman but has chosen to relinquish the council seat. Of four original candidates to succeed him, Horace Ragbir and Vince Monden have withdrawn, leaving political newcomers Lynne Algrant, who has the Municipal Committee endorsement, and Jason Snyder. Algrant detailed her experience as a management consultant, in communication, and in leadership training. Snyder pointed out his background as a corporate finance lawyer and his leadership position in Bergen Grassroots, a good government advocate.
More complete statements from all five candidates are available elsewhere on this site.
