Eight seek Town Council seats

By Sondra Wolfer of the Suburbanite

The Teaneck Suburbanite, March 29, 2000 p.1

Teaneck - Eight residents have filed to run for the three open seats on the township council in the upcoming May elections.

The candidates are David Bacall, David Herenstein, Deputy Mayor Jacqueline Kates, Matthew Herenstein, Michael Pagan, Seymore Rappoport, Michael Roth Debra Veach and Board of Education Trustee Marie Warnke.

The township taxes and methods of increasing ratables without development are emerging as the candidates' primary issues in the upcoming election.

David Bacall, a senior at Ramapo College studying public communications and a graduate of Teaneck High School, said his involvement in Teaneck community life throughout his youth gives him a unique perspective on the township.

He believes township officials aren't doing enough outreach to Teaneck's diverse communities in order to bring them together and he would like to change that. "Let's show people that we weren't just a model community in World War II, but that we can be a model community today," he said.

Bacall said spending tax dollars on big projects like the Cedar Lane revitalization is not the best use of the townships money and they need to concentrate on drawing new businesses to Teaneck and improving services. "Let's concentrate on things that will make Teaneck a better place, a safer place," he said.

Matthew Herenstein, a financial analyst for an investment bank in New York City, said services are not equal to the township's high tax rate. He believes the township can responsibly curtail spending, increase the township's ratables and improve services.

"I care strongly about Teaneck and while the township's a wonderful place to live I think there are concerns people have that are not being addressed," he said.

He said spending funds on big projects such as Cedar Lane improvements and the DPW renovations aren't the most responsible ways to spend the township's money. And he believes they should concentrate more on attracting new business. "Either not enough effort, or not enough successful effort is being made to bring new businesses to town," he said.

Deputy Mayor Jacqueline Kates, the customer relations manager for a company that produces formal invitations, has been on the council for four years. "Stabilizing" taxes is one of the most pressing issues for Teaneck, she said, and to that end the township should, among other things, work to increase sharing of services among neighboring municipalities and the Board of Education.

Kates said improving the township's shopping districts and attracting new businesses is a critical issue.

And she believe the township should create a comprehensive community relations plan.

"I think we should be doing more in the area of communicating with our residents. There are things we can do to make people feel a greater sense of community," she said.

Michael Pagen, press secretary for the New Jersey General Assembly Democratic Office, says growing up in Teaneck and graduating from the high school has also given him perspective on the township that would be beneficial.

Pagen feels the township needs improvement in the way they deal with residents concerns and he believes Teaneck needs to take an active role in fostering improved community relations.

The township's high rate of taxes when compared to services is also a problem, Pegan believes.

"For the amount of property taxes we pay in Teaneck, the township service should be better," he said. He would like to see two recycling pick-ups each month and longer hours at the recycling depot.

Seymour Rappoport, a professional engineer and member of the site plan review board, also believes taxes are a critical issue, but that building large developments in congested areas of town or Teaneck's open space isn't the solution. He also believe there are better options for revitalizing Cedar Lane that will bring in ratables by attracting businesses to existing buildings.

"I feel I have many good ideas that can benefit Teaneck, from land usage to economic matters and as a member of the council I can bring them to bear for the benefit of all Teaneck residents," Rappoport said.

Michael Roth, an insurance agent and president of Congregation B'Nai Yeshurun, said reducing high taxes, improving quality of life and cutting wasteful spending in the township's budget are critical. He also believes services are not equal to the township's tax rate.

"I think Teaneck's a great town I like that it's very diverse and I enjoy living here. But I don't like my expenses going up and my services going down," he said.

Debra Veach, an attorney and founder of the Teaneck Farmer's Market, said revitalizing the township's main shopping districts, improving community relations and leveling taxes are the critical issues facing Teaneck. Veach believes improving the shopping areas would "create a gathering place for the town" and improve Teaneck's sense of community.

"I decided to run because I love Teaneck and I would like to add my positive energy, become a positive spokesperson for the town and be involved in decisions that affect the different communities in the township," she said.

Marie Warnke, an elementary special education teacher and trustee of the board of education for the past 12 years, is concerned about the township's rising taxes.

But, as they seek methods of drawing businesses to town to increase ratables, she said it is important to find ways to maintain the residential quality of Teaneck.

"How do you get businesses to come into the town and not destroy the residential quality of the town?" she said is an important question they must grapple with. She also said improving relations with township employees would be a priority.

"If there's any way we can get better relations between the township and the different employees, I would like to see that happen," Warnke said.

The township elections are non-partisan and candidates run for seats as council member at large. Following the elections the mayor and deputy-mayor are elected by council members at the reorganization meeting July 1.

Three council seats are open, with Kates the only incumbent running. Council members Eleanor Kieliszek and Mel Henderson are not seeking re-election.