Glen Rock Election Candidate Profiles

GLEN ROCK, NJ - In Glen Rock, one mayoral term and two council seats are up for grabs on Nov. 5.

Democrat Kristine Morieko is challenging Republican Sanjiv Ohri for mayor, a 4 year term.

Democrats Teresa Gilbreath and Robert Dill, both newcomers, as well as incumbent Republican councilwoman Michelle Teresa Torpey and Eric Schlett, a Republican, are pursuing the two open council seats.

Each candidate was asked to fill out a profile in advance of Election Day for publication.

If a candidate is not included below, a profile was not submitted back to Patch.

*Denotes incumbent.

Mayor (4 year term)

Sanjiv Ohri (Republican)

Kristine Morieko (Democrat)

• Age: 43
• Years in town: 43 years
• Occupation: Criminal Law Paralegal
• Public offices held: 2 term councilwoman - 2 years as council president.
• Family: Married to Bryan, with twins, Madeline and Brayden - both in Kindergarten at Byrd School
• Community activities: Library Trustee, Planning Board, NICU Family/Patient advisor at Valley Hospital, Bergen County Commission on the Status of Women.
• Why are you running: I LOVE Glen Rock. My family first moved here in 1920 and since that time, we have remained in town-- that does not happen by accident. When my twins were 15 months old I was first asked to run - and I did so with enthusiasm. At that time I was working in Municipal Law, and I knew what was needed to be a force in the council. Fast forward to 5 years later and I was asked to run for mayor, which I did without hesitation. EXPERIENCE is what drives a good mayor. I have that experience. I have been active, engaged and a strong council member. I research every detail, and I always make an informed decision. Glen Rock is my past, my present and my future and I wish to sustain the success of the Borough going forward. I want to keep Glen Rock that Great Place to Come Home To for future generations of not only my own family - but for all Glen Rockers.

Council (Two 3-year-terms)

Joe Koenig (Independent)

• Age: Not provided
• Years in town: 15 years
• Occupation: Senior Technical Claims Manager - With Management Oversight of $75 MIL and Multi-State Jurisdictions
• Family: Married with two daughters in college 22 and 19
• Community Activities: Founder and First Chairman of a NJ Shade Tree Commission, 14 year member of the GR Jaycees - A not-for-profit GR charitable organization that has donated fund raising proceeds to multiple organizations in GR - including the Library, Fire Department, Ambulance Corp., G.R.A.C.E Foundation, GR Historical Society, VFW, Barron Foundation. The Glen Rock H.S. Finance Lab. GR HSAs. And scholarships to graduating Seniors. Jaycees President for 3 years - Tree Sale Fundraiser Chairman/Co-Chairman for 6 years. USAF/NJ Air National Guard - Civil Engineering Unit - Trained as a Water Treatment Specialist / Water Purification
• Why are you running: I am running as I believe my varied background in the following areas of expertise allows me to help the town in many ways. I have always been a believer in volunteering and contributing to community. I have over 20 years of management experience. I work for a multi-billion dollar, publicly traded, Commercial Insurance carrier out of the Corporate office. A trained and licensed professional, my expertise is in Risk Management, Liability, and Workers' Compensation law and Claims.

Robert Dill (Democrat)

• Age: 52
• Years in town: 23
• Occupation: College Professor
• Public offices held: None
• Family: Married 24 years, two children, 21-year-old McKensie and 19-year-old Madeline. Both are in college and graduated from Glen Rock schools
• Community Activities: Asst. Scout Master for Troop 15 in Glen Rock, former GREC member, current Co-chair of STAC, shovel for seniors past few years, organized the kids splash and dash at the glen rock pool. Active all Glen Rock road races. Former GREEN trustee.
• Why are you running: I'm running because my family and I have received so much from this town over the past 23 years. While I have given back through community service and lots of volunteering, it's time for me to step it up. As an Eagle Scout, I have learned that serving others is one of the most rewarding endeavors. And while I have served smaller cross sections of our town, I am looking forward to serving the entire Glen Rock community.

Michele Teresa Torpey (Republican)*

• Age: 49
• How many years have you resided in town: 19
• Occupation: Currently - Licensed Pharmacist for NY & NJ; part-time Pharmacist at Rock Ridge Pharmacy in Glen Rock, Co-Director of Religious Education at St. Catharine's. Former: District Manager for A&P Pharmacy responsible for operations and revenue for over 40 stores in the NY & NJ metro area with over 200 employees and $20 million in revenue
• Public offices held: Glen Rock Borough Council Member
• Family: Married to Joe Torpey, with three kids, Caroline (17), Claire (15) and Dan (12) attend school in the local school district.
• Community Activities: Vice President & Organizer/member of Independence Day Committee, 3x President (& Co-President), Byrd Home School Association , Byrd School Liaison, Special Education Parent Advisory Committee, Co-Chair, Autism Awareness, President, Glen Rock Downtown for the Holidays, Boy Scout Troop leader, Girl Scout Troop Leader, Knock Out Opioid Abuse Town Leader
• Why are you running: I love this town and have been fortunate enough to meet so many people throughout my community service and the campaign that I know this town can be even better. I listened to residents and they shared with me what they want and need from a Council member. My previous experience and life of service has prepared me well for the challenges I would face in this role -- apart from my current role as Council Member which I am seeking election for -- previously my fiscal and operations responsibilities at A&P, to working one on one counseling young families and seniors as a Pharmacist, to my efforts working in our school systems I have a great perspective of the challenges our town faces and how to help shape our future path. After being on Council these past few months I know I can do this job -- most importantly I have found how beneficial it is to listen or seek feedback from resident before moving forward. I am not afraid to disagree or speak my mind on residents' behalf, and I put them first in how we solve challenges. Our town has a Master Plan that is due for re-examination -- as that evolves it should continue to be the filter for how we prioritize what is important for our council discussions -- and not focus on divisive national issues that we have no jurisdiction over. I promise to work hard for all Glen Rockers. Let me continue the work I started for you on the Council.

Teresa Gilbreath (Democrat)

• Age: 60
• Years in town: 20 years
• Occupation: Real estate agent – second career; Chief Compliance Officer (retired) within a large, international financial services company.
• Public offices held: None
• Family: Married to Lee for 28 years with a grown daughter, Kyra, a college graduate and Glen Rock schools graduate
• Community activities: Involved with Girl Scouts, Art and Design Coordinator for Grad Ball 2015. Currently co-leader of the Glen Rock Green Team.
• Why are you running: When I was traveling the globe for my job, I had the opportunity to see many, many places. No matter where I was, I was glad to know that I was coming back to this wonderful community. I am running for office because Glen Rock is our forever place. My husband and I are planning to spend our golden years here, and I want to give back to our community. In 37 years in Corporate America, I acquired the skills that are needed to be an effective councilmember (strategic planning, budget planning, expense containment, analytical thinking, negotiation, decision making). Now, I want to use those skills to benefit the residents of Glen Rock.

Eric Joseph Schlett (Republican)

• Age: 55
• Years in town: 22
• Occupation: Currently - Sr. Vice President/Executive Director Clarion Fire & Rescue Group. Former - Vice President Accounting/Finance Thomson(Reuters) Healthcare Division
• Public offices held: None
• Family: Married to Jennifer Schlett, with four children - Eric (24), Mathew (20), Gregory (17) and Sophia (6) all attended or still attend Glen Rock Public Schools.
• Community Activities: Past President Glen Rock Booster Club (4 years), Co-founder and 5X VP of current Glen Rock Jr. Wresting, President Glen Rock High School Takedown Club, Co-President 2X Glen Rock High School Football Parents Association, Glen Rock Jr. Football Association Executive Board (16 years serving multiple board positions), Football coach 12 years, Wrestling coach 8 years, Baseball coach 6 years, Soccer coach 2 years, St. Catherine’s Men’s Cornerstone 4 years
• Why are you running: I’m passionate about Glen Rock! We all cherish Glen Rock, because of its great schools, highly competitive athletics, engaged senior citizens and a charming center of town…all which make Glen Rock so appealing. But to me it’s the people of this town that have made it so special. Speaking with friends and neighbors, it’s become clear that most residents want the Mayor and Council to focus on local issues. Issues like, responsibly funding our “Blue Ribbon” schools, ensuring fields are safe and playable, attending to the concerns of our senior citizens regarding the cost of living and addressing public safety volunteerism. My 30+ years in Management either as an accountant or and in Business Development for the Public Safety industry qualifies me to tackle the challenges our community faces with laser focus on issues germane to our community. Our residents deserve the best from their elected officials. I am ready to represent ALL Glen Rockers.