This year’s candidates for Teaneck council have made themselves abundantly accessible to answer the tough questions and express their intentions, commitments and optimism about serving on the Teaneck Township Council. Clearly endorsed by Teaneck Mayor James Dunleavy, New Jersey Assemblyman Gary Schaer and Congressman Josh Gottheimer (who is also running for reelection this year), the candidates are united in their desire to “change the trajectory of the township,” said Deputy Mayor Elie Y. Katz. While council members often hold different perspectives about how to forge the best pathway forward, Katz said, “Even if we disagree, we can do it without being disagreeable.”
Councilman Keith Kaplan pledged to “hit the ground running” and to deliver on the mandate from both residents and business owners that township government needs to be easier, instead of being riddled with procedural minutiae and unnecessary delays.
Desiree Ramos Reiner has served on the Teaneck planning board, and shared that she was the first to graduate college in her family of Cuban immigrants. She is experienced in what it takes to break through the obstacles that prevent progress and in attaining the highest good in a situation, along with her “strong belief in the positive transformative power of government.”
Latisha (Robinson) Garcia, running with Kaplan, is known as a legendary scout troop leader, and expressed her vision to “unite and move forward in maintaining Teaneck as the best town in Bergen County.”
Bergen County Commissioner Tom Sullivan also came out Wednesday night to support this slate of candidates at the event held at Regina’s. Sullivan urged the crowd to be aware that “elections have consequences,” and reminded everyone that it’s an amazing safety net to have a community hospital, noting that “Holy Name provided more COVID tests, screening and vaccinations
than any other hospital in New Jersey.” He said he supports this slate of candidates because “we need to get back to respecting each other.”
Manny Klein, Teaneck resident and local businessman, also known in the community for his
chesed projects, said,“We need to follow candidates who promote good government and support good local business practices.”
The campaign continued with a sizable turnout for breakfast at Poppy’s on Friday morning. Residents also had an opportunity to talk with Gottheimer and all of the council candidates.
By Ellie Wolf
