Six seek four township council seats, 4 incumbents face 2 challengers

By Navid Iqbal of Suburbanite

The Teaneck Suburbanite, March 27, 2002, p. 1 & p. 85

The municipal election officially became a competition last week as all six candidates completed their nominating petitions. Tuesday, May 14, township residents will get to vote on who will fill the four available council seats.

The four incumbants who are seeking reelection this year are Paul Ostrow, Yitz Stern, Elie Y. Katz and Michael Gallucci. Two other candidates are Benjamin Dworkin and Monica Honis.

(Only the relevant candidate is shown here)

Michael Gallucci

Councilman Michael Gallucci, 35, an attorney in New York temporarily displaced to New Jersey after Sept. 11, said he is seeking re-election because "it is important to have experienced decision makers" at the township's helm.

A life-long resident and graduate of the Teaneck High School Class of 1984, Gallucci said he has "a vested interest in Teaneck" including "interest in senior housing and services for seniors." His mother still lived in Teaneck and he and his wife have one child with another on the way.

"Its an exciting time for Teaneck," Gallucci said, explaining that the current council has played a role in the development of the Cedar Lane SID, the hiring of Township Manager Helene Fall, as well as interest in expanding senior housing and other services for seniors.

Gallucci added that other projects that the current council has tackled include construction of the Rodda Community Center, plans for the Department of Public Works building and improvements to the municipal building.

Despite the increased development in Teaneck, Gallucci said he plans on "making sure we maintain no development along Route 4 and set aside space for the Hackensack River Greenway.