The results are in following Tuesday’s Teaneck Town Council election, accomplished for the first time through an entirely absentee mail-in ballot process. The Moving Teaneck Forward slate of Deputy Mayor (and Jewish Link Co-Publisher) Mark (Mendy) Schwartz, Karen Lew Orgen and Michael Pagan was victorious, with unofficial results at press time showing success over the People for Progress slate.

“This win showed that what we have been doing over the last few years is what the people of Teaneck want. Zero tax increases, more housing options, safety and security, especially in these trying times. I thank all of my supporters, endorsers and campaign team. To those who spent the last six months attacking us daily, you again have the opportunity to put your hate aside and be part of the solution; or you can remain the problem,” Schwartz said.

Orgen added, “Mark, Michael and I would like to thank all who supported us. Teaneck will be faced with many new and unexpected challenges going forward. We don’t take lightly the trust that you’ve put in us and we look forward to working hard to earn that trust.”

“It’s overwhelming, and I am so grateful for everyone who helped and who voted,” said Pagan. “Deputy Mayor Schwartz, Councilwoman-Elect Orgen and I are committed to ensuring everyone in Teaneck gets heard, which is why we encourage those who want to help our hometown continue to improve to reach out to us with their ideas and their concerns. Your concerns are our concerns, and we will always be there to help,” shared Pagan.

Overall, turnout for the Teaneck election was significantly higher than the turnout in Teaneck’s 2016 and 2018 municipal elections, despite the COVID-19 pandemic that has shuttered most businesses and largely confined residents to their homes.

By Jewish Link Staff