As we all prepare to quickly turn the page to 2021, it will be equally exciting to have our new governmental and educational leadership teams in place here in town and at the County.

On Friday, Jan. 1, I will have the honor and privilege of taking the oath of office for the fourth time as your Mayor in a very small ceremony at my childhood home. It will be broadcast on Facebook Live, as we are unable to hold a large swearing-in gathering this year.

Councilman Vincent DeCesare has been chosen amongst his colleagues to serve as Council President in 2021. Vinnie’s vast experience in public works and personnel, in addition to his work as the Chair of the Public Safety Committee, will serve us all well this year as President of the Council.

County Commissioner Pat Lepore has been asked to serve as the first ever Director of the Passaic County Board of Commissioners. We also welcome Commissioner TJ Best as our newest resident of Woodland Park.

Sam Yodice has earned the support of his fellow PVHS Board of Education members to serve as Board President at our high school and Jaclyn Luker will serve as Vice President. This is a pivotal year while dealing with the return to in-person learning in light of COVID-19 and the selection of a new Superintendent of Schools at PV.

Laura Spagnola-Vargas will again serve as President of the Woodland Park Board of Education and Christopher Mania will serve as Vice President. The WPBOE, led by Laura, has done an incredible job in working with Dr. Michele Pillari and Business Administrator Paul Murphy to navigate the pandemic and in preparing for the return to school in mid-January.

The cooperation, mutual respect, and a strong desire to work together are all very important in continuing to get things done here in Woodland Park!

Happy New Year, and congrats to all our colleagues on their leadership positions in 2021.

Keith Kazmark
Mayor