New Mayor Takes Helm In Ridgewood, Urges Unity

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — Play for the name on the front of the jersey, not on the back — that is what matters, newly elected Ridgewood Mayor Paul Vagianos quoted, referring to his "team" of council members, and residents within the village, whom he charged with the task of "getting off the bench and into the game."

"As great as this team is, we can't do it alone," Vagianos said, after being sworn in to a two-year term at Wednesday's reorganization meeting. "We need your support, we need your criticism, and we need your help. Together, there are no limits to what we can accomplish."

Vagianos replaces now-former Mayor Susan Knudsen, who lost her re-election bid in November to political newcomers Evan Weitz and Siobhan Winograd. Knudsen was out sick for the meeting, though she sent her regards by way of a letter, read aloud by village attorney Matthew Rogers.

"I wish the incoming village council the best of luck and much success," Knudsen said in the statement.

Nominated by Deputy Mayor Pam Perron, who was unanimously confirmed to her position by the council, Vagianos was approved to the mayor position by all on the dais, except Councilwoman Lorraine Reynolds. She had put forth a declined mayoralty nomination for Perron.

"I appreciate your support, Lorraine," Perron said. "But I have had long talks with Paul, and instead, I would nominate him as Mayor. I think he will do a fabulous job, and I support him wholeheartedly."

Perron was additionally sworn in, as were the two new council members, Weitz and Winograd.

"I look forward to working alongside (this council) and appreciate the warm welcome everyone has already given me," Weitz, who was selected by the council to be president pro tempore, said. "I promise all of you that I will do my very best to live up to the high standards that this role and community deserves."

Both Weitz and Winograd also said they are donating their council salaries to local organizations.

"I am grateful to the councils of the past and equally grateful to the team I am going to serve with up here," Winograd said. "The most important thing is that we are a body of one, and I look forward to working with (the council) and for Ridgewood."