One of the many great things about Teaneck is it’s non-partisan government. The Township is governed by a seven-member council, including the Mayor and Deputy Mayor elected by the Council from among its members. And the best part is that NO political party involvement is allowed.
This year, four of the seven council seats are up for reelection on Tuesday May 13th. They are those presently held by Councilmembers Elie Y. Katz (a former Mayor and Deputy Mayro), Emil ‘Yitz’ Stern (a former Deputy Mayor), Adam Gussen (the current Deputy Mayor), and Lizzete Parker (former Deputy Mayor).
The old adage “All politics: Local” is as true as ever, and the winter we had this year, with its seemingly unending need for snowplowing exemplifies just how important essential municipal services are.
As someone who has regularly attended Township Council meetings I know, firsthand, that people like to complain. It’s in our very nature. “Why is there a crack there?” “When are you going to fix the crack?” “Why haven’t you fixed the crack, yet?” “You finally fixed the crack, but you did it all wrong!” “Why did you waste so much time and money on such a small crack?”
But, while people like to complain about quality of life issues like this–and LOVE to complain about taxes–to truly have your say you have to vote. Voting is an essential part of our American democracy. Voting is what makes it a democracy. Voting is your chance be involved and to have your say.
In order to vote, you first have to be registered. To do so you can logon to http://www.co.bergen.nj.us and click on “Register for. Voting” under the “How do I?” tab.
The deadline to register in time for the May election is Tuesday April 22nd. That falls on the Eighth Day of Pesach this year, so registering early (before the craziness of Pesach begins) is all the more important.
If you know someone who is new to the community, just turned 18, or for whatever other reason may not yet have registered, please be sure to remind them to. Also, because it’s so time-sensitive, remind those who may be out-of-town (at college, at yeshiva, in Israel, etc).
Together, we can ensure a strong turnout, so that everybody’s voice can be heard.
Town Council Elections Approach
Town council elections in Teaneck are approaching. Voting will take place on May 13. If you are not registered to vote, head over to http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/form_pdf/voter-regis-forms/bergen-voter-reg-form-062212.pdf to register. If you are registered, but will not be in town on the 13th, register for an absentee ballot here: http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/form_pdf/vote-mail-ballot-012712.pdf.
By David Spielman
