Take a look:
Candidates discuss taxes, diversity

By Howard Prosnitz, Staff Writer

Teaneck Suburbanite, April 29, 2010, p. 2

With Mayor Kevie Feit not seeking a second council term, three incumbents and six challengers are vying for four council seats in an election to be decided on May 11. Teaneck Suburbanite interviewed each candidate and asked each three questions:

1. Why are you running?
2. How can the financial burden on taxpayers be mitigated?
3. What can be done to improve relations among the township's ethnic, racial and religious groups.

(Only the relevant candidate is shown here)

Emil "Yitz" Stern, Age: 54

Emil "Yitz" SternStern, of Edgewood Avenue, served on the council from 1998-2006. A 30-year Teaneck resident, Stern has a BA in economics from CCNY and a Masters in Administrative Science from FDU. He is also a Certified Public Manager. Stern is an administrator at the Bergen County Police and Fire Academy and is an adjunct professor of business at FDU. Prior to his election to the council, he served eight years on the board of adjustment. He is married with four grown children.

1. Stern notes that he has served Teaneck in various capacities for 24 years. "My life's experience based on education as well as my family experience of raising my children and caring for elderly parents and in-laws and my certification as a public manager will add to the team that sets public policy."

2. Stern does not believe that taxes can be lowered but he believes they can be stabilized. He notes that the cost of providing services increases each year and that the largest component of the cost is employees' salaries and benefits. But many of the employees live in Teaneck and are stakeholders in the town. "We have to be careful where the money is coming from. With reduction in state aid, the money is going to come from our taxpayers," Stern said.

3. Stern describes the council, which is made up of members of various racial, religious and ethnic groups, as the township's most important community relations tool. "The council is really the only body that can set policy and action. It consists of individuals who have to work together. They set an example to the community by their behavior and how they treat each other."