Mahwah Council Remains Largely Unchanged During Reorganization

MAHWAH, NJ — The Mahwah Township Council remained largely unchanged over last year.

Council President David May was re-elected by his colleagues on the dais as head of the governing body, and three of four council members who sought a consecutive next term were sworn in.

"I want to thank everyone for trusting me with this position," May said at the Jan. 5 reorganization meeting.

New Councilman Ward Donigian, who had served on the council from 1994 to 2002, received more votes than incumbent George Ervin in the November election. He was therefore sworn in, along with Council members Janet Ariemma (the highest vote-getter among the candidates), Jonathan Wong and Robert Ferguson at the meeting.

Ferguson was named the new Council vice president by his fellow members, replacing George Ervin who lost his council seat in the last election. Ferguson's selection as vice president was supported by all except Ariemma, who said she should have been nominated for the position based on her seniority.

"I have been asking for council vice president for over four years now," Ariemma said.