On July 31st our long-time Municipal Clerk/Administrator Kevin Galland will retire after nearly 15 years with the Borough. We wish him all the best in retirement and thank him for his years of dedicated service.

Last month, after second round interviews for the position, Council President Kallert and Councilman DeCesare approached me about the concept of serving as both Mayor and Administrator. They expressed a desire to have someone fill the role who was familiar with the town and ready to hit the ground running on day one, especially in light of the unprecedented times we are living through. I was incredibly flattered that the Council would want me to fill both roles.

Many Administrators in nearby towns are combined with other key positions: Little Falls has an Administrator/CFO, Totowa’s Clerk handles the administrative responsibilities, Ringwood’s Manager is also the DPW Director, Elmwood Park’s Police Chief also serves as the Borough Administrator and, in Bloomingdale, the Mayor is the Administrator.

Accepting this opportunity would allow me to dedicate my efforts full-time to Woodland Park. Having served as the Municipal Clerk/Administrator in Elmwood Park for 12 years and as the Business Administrator in Parsippany-Troy Hills for nearly two years now, there is no doubt I feel I can both serve as Mayor and handle the B.A. responsibilities simultaneously.

We will also be hiring Sandra Olivola, our former Deputy Clerk, who currently serves in that position in Fair Lawn, as our new Municipal Clerk, effective August 3, 2020. Sandie grew up in Woodland Park, knows the town, the way our Clerk’s Office functions and is thrilled to return to her hometown to serve as Clerk.

This will also be good news for the taxpayer. As we re-structure the office, we will eliminate a position through another employee retirement in the office effective August 31st. As such, there will be a cost savings in our budget, which is especially needed during these challenging times.

My heart and soul have been dedicated to Woodland Park for the past 9 years as your Mayor and for 9 prior years on the Council. This opportunity to also serve as the Business Administrator during this unique time, in addition to my role as Mayor, is an amazing professional opportunity and one I promise to live up as we guide our town through this public health crisis and into the future.