Verile, Warburton Take Their Seats on Paramus Council

The Paramus community filled the council chambers to standing room only Sunday to witness Democrat political newcomers Donna Warburton and Patsy Verile take their seats on the council for the first time.

The swearing in of Warburton and Verile returns the majority back to the Democrats for the first time in a few years. Both Warburton and Verile vowed to work together with the entire council as a team for the people of Paramus.

Assemblywoman Connie Wagner administered the oath of office to new Councilwoman Warburton and Senator Barbara Buono swore in new Councilman Verile.

Wagner told the new council persons challenges are bound to be ahead but is confident they will work along with the rest of the council to find the right solutions to better this borough. She strongly promoted the message that it's about working together that counts and not which political party one represents.

Mayor Richard LaBarbiera echoed Wagner's message saying he only sees one party - the Paramus party and looks forward to working with the community in 2013.

Wharburton thanked the residents of Paramus for "believing in me and welcoming me into your lives." She vowed that she has been listening to those who trusted her with their stories and she will put the people of Paramus first.

Verile said he's indebted to Mayor LaBarbiera for asking him to get involved in serving the community. Disagreements and agreements are likely to lie ahead but Verile says he knows for sure that they will all work together to do what will be best for the borough. 

Verile acknowledged former Councilmen Michael Rohdieck and Dennis Arslanian stating they had his respect and admiration for having served on the Paramus council.

Warburton and Verile defeated Republican incumbents Rohdieck and Arslanian this past November election following in the footsteps of the success of Democrats Council members Elena Bellinger and Joseph Lagana who won seats on the council the previous year.

Lagana was elected as Council President by his fellow council members for the 2013 year.

Also Mayor LaBarbiera administered the oath of office to Fire Chief Craig Hopkins, Battalion Chief Pat Proctor and Rescue Chief Joseph Hamlin for the 2013 year.

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