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)

Emil 'Yitz' Stern

How long have you been a Teaneck resident: 34 years.

Educational and professional background:

Bachelors of Arts (Economics), City University of New York; Masters in Administrative Science, Fairleigh Dickinson University; Certified Public Manager (CPM) State of New Jersey, Certified Consumer Affairs Investigator (Level I), State of New Jersey.

Administrative Staff & Special Operations, Bergen County Police and Fire Academy; Professor of Business, Fairleigh Dickinson University; Director & Audit Committee Member, Cross River Bank.

Family: married to Gilla for 34 years; four children; growing group of grandchildren

Public service, including elected office:

12 years on Township Council (two years as Deputy Mayor); eight years on Planning Board; four years on Environmental Commission; eight years on Board of Adjustment; Coach and Manager (former); Little League Baseball and IYB/Biddy Basketball; Member, Bergen County Open Space Trust Fund Advisory Committee; Commissioner, New Jersey State Commission on Holocaust Education; Commissioner, New Jersey Israel Commission.

Why are you running for township council?

To continue to address the property tax burden on our residents. To maintain my commitment to keep our residents and their families safe and secure. To stay dedicated to the values that make Teaneck a great place to live and raise a family.

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

Maintaining the level of overall service that our residents have become accustomed to (police, fire, public works, parks and recreation, youth and senior programs, library and others) is an issue of substantial concern to me and I am committed to keeping that service level while continuing to address our homeowners' property tax burden. This can and should be done through creating new (and expanding existing) commercial development throughout Teaneck.