Council Won't Fill Late Councilwoman's Seat

Opting against naming a temporary replacement for a late councilwoman, the Village Council will remain at four members until a November election can be held.

Councilman Paul Aronsohn said Friday that the four sitting members decided to leave late Councilwoman Anne Zusy's successor to the voters. With one council member dissenting, Aronsohn said the council would share greater detail for their reasoning at the June 16 meeting.

Zusy died June 3 from lung cancer. She was elected to council with Aronsohn and Deputy Mayor Keith Killion in 2008 to a four-year term. Council had the option, but was not required, to name a temporary member until an election could be held for a replacement to serve out Zusy's remaining term. 

According to village code, council is only required to name replacements for the mayor and deputy mayor if a vacancy occurs.

Mayor David Pfund and Councilman Patrick Mancuso will leave office at month's end, with council members-elect Bernadette Walsh and Tom Riche taking office July 1. Through the November election, Ridgewood will have four council members.

The news comes the same day that Village Manger Dr. Kenneth Gabbert said specific department-by-department layoff breakdowns would be divulged. Gabbert said Friday the release would be delayed, potentially for positive reasons.

"We have reached additional accommodations with the unions that impact the layoff list," Gabbert said, adding the complete breakdown would be available Monday. Last week, the village manager said 27 positions would be lost through layoffs to full and part-time staff.