Meet the candidates running for 4 Council seats

By MEGAN BURROW, Managing Editor

Teaneck Suburbanite, May 1, 2014, p. 3.

On May 13, Voters will have a choice of eight candidates for four open seats on the Teaneck Township Council, Residents will have an opportunity to vote for incombents Adam Gussen, Elie Y. Katz, Lizette Parker and Yitz Stern, and challengers Eric Brauer, Jason Castle, Alexander Rashin and Alan Sohn. Polls will be open May 13 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Each candidate was asked questions about their background and past public service, why they are running for township council, what they believe is the most important issue facing Teaneck and how they would work to address it.

(Only the relevant candidate is shown here)

Elie Y. Katz

How long have you been a Teaneck resident?

39 years.

Educational and professional background:

Touro College, Investor, and Real Estate Management

Family:

Married with three children.

Public service, including elected office:

Teaneck Township Council, 1998 to present, Deputy Mayor 2000-2002, Mayor 2006 to 2008, Teaneck business owner, lifetime member, Teaneck Volunteer Ambulance Corps (joined at age 15), chairman, Teaneck Youth Advisory Board 1991 to 1992 (age 16), Teaneck Advisory Board on community Relations, Teaneck Fire Department Box 54, Teaneck Police Crime Stoppers Program.

Why are you running for township council?

Simply put, there is more work to be done. I want to streamline the building department process, help enhance business districts, work on the plan to widen route 4, find a responsible development to Alfred Avenue that could bring in millions more in ratables and continue to be responsive to our 39,000 residents.

What do you believe is the most important issue facing Teaneck and how would you work to address it?

Taxes, taxes, taxes. We need to bring in additional revenue from other sources so that our residents do not have to keep paying for everything. I have fought annually to control budget spending. I initiated sewer tax for major corporations in Teaneck. I upgraded and initiated metered parking in several lots, and I instituted paid community parking lots.