Dan Tokayer is running for Englewood City Council-at-Large because public service is important to him and he wants to contribute and improve the Englewood community.
To Tokayer, an Englewood resident since 2017 and a father of three young boys, he feels that his “background in business and management is suited for being on the city council. I hope to be able to use my skills to help the city be at its best,” he told The Jewish Link.
Tokayer, who moved to Englewood after having lived in Massachusetts, works in the real estate business, focusing on multifamily management and ownership projects. He started working in real estate right out of college, putting together the money he made doing odd jobs, inviting two other investors, and purchasing a property in Manhattan. They fixed the property, refinanced it, and made their money back within the next couple of years. He has continued this work, amassing a network during the last two decades of over 80 properties.
Part of the daily minyan at East Hill Synagogue, Tokayer davens at Kehilat Kesher on Shabbat. In addition to supporting AIPAC, Leket Israel, Tomchei Shabbos and various other yeshivas and schools, he is a strong supporter of the Bergen Family Center. “Most of my work there is geared toward helping families and children with their basic needs,” he said. Tokayer also has been a close observer of recent actions at the Englewood City Council, noting the happenings over the last year.
Rabbi Akiva Block of Kehilat Kesher shared some thoughts on Tokayer’s readiness to serve. “Dan represents the very best of our community. He is kind, caring and compassionate, giving of his time and many talents to help anyone in need, no matter who they are or where they come from. Knowing Dan’s character and the caliber of person he is, it is no surprise at all that he has put himself forward to serve,” Rabbi Block said.
Tokayer’s biggest concern is making sure residents’ needs are being addressed. “In talking to residents throughout the entire city, there is a lot of frustration that they are not being heard. From small things, like cars speeding down their quiet streets and noise complaints, to large things, such as the recreational opportunities, there is a lot of improvement to be had. The infrastructure of Englewood needs a lot of work too,” Tokayer said.
“I was shocked to learn that the new firehouse which was built only eight years ago already needs hundreds of thousands of dollars of repairs and the current council leadership has done nothing to hold the contractor accountable. From my career, I have experience in projects like these. I also know that if you are not responsive to your customers, they will take their business elsewhere. The city needs to have that attitude toward their customers: the taxpaying residents and business owners.”
“New voices strengthen democracy and we need Dan’s voice on the council,” said Councilwoman Dr. Lisa Wisotsky, who serves on the Englewood Council and is supporting Tokayer in his election. “Dan’s business acumen and his commitment to a vibrant city like Englewood will make him a valuable asset. With Dan on the council, we will be able to move Englewood forward and address long-standing problems,” she said.
One thing that Tokayer hopes to improve is decorum in Englewood council meetings. “There are rules against shouting from the audience and disturbing the meeting. Yet this is violated consistently and throughout the entire meeting. There is no enforcement and no consequences, so of course, no one takes it seriously. And it’s no surprise that the current council leadership has not gotten anything done this year of note. I would ask that the rules be followed,” said Tokayer.
Councilman Dr. Ken Rosenzweig also endorsed Tokayer for this role. “Dan is an accomplished businessman who will bring his experience to the council to help us get things done. The current council leadership is stuck in neutral, and the city needs Dan to provide a new voice and perspective to improve our community,” he said.
The Democratic primary is on Tuesday, June 4.
