Resident, Lawyer, Former TV Host to Run for Council

More than five months before the November election, Ridgewood has its first candidate seeking to replace a late councilwoman's seat.

Resident Steve Wellinghorst announced his candidacy today to fill the remaining term for the late Councilwoman Anne Zusy, who died earlier this month.

"Recent events in the village have motivated me to step up and participate in the electoral process," Wellinghorst said in a statement. "There appears to be a need for basic common sense to be applied to the administration of the village."

Wellinghorst chose the early announcement date to get his name out there before the village slows down in the summer. He'll be working to file petitions in advance of a September deadline.

Describing himself as a fiscal conservative, Wellinghorst, 47, is a 10-year resident, who has worked the last 22 years as a lawyer. He previously served on the Ridgewood Zoning Board of Adjustment for three years, and has appeared as a legal commentator for several cable news networks—including time as a host of New 12 New Jersey's Case in Point.

In an interview with Ridgewood Patch, Wellinghorst listed the economy, Valley Hospital and Graydon Pool as the village's three biggest issues.

Wellinghorst said his Zoning Board experience and time as Planning Board attorney for the town of West Paterson (now Woodland Park) will aid in his decisions.

On Monday, the Ridgewood Planning Board approved a master plan amendment to allow the Valley Hospital to significantly expand its infrastructure. For construction to begin, Village Council will have to approve zoning ordinances and site plans. If elected, Wellinghorst said he would "carefully" review testimony on an issue that has "divided" the town.

"I like Valley. It's a good thing for the community, but I'm not sure the expansion is right for the community... As a Planning Board attorney for many years, I think I can offer something," he said.

Revitalizing the downtown and Graydon Pool are important to Wellinghorst, but he said in this economy, it's difficult to favor large-scale, and costly, projects. 

"Our downtown needs some help, and I don't think prior administrations have given enough help to businesses," he said.

He acknowledged a parking problem, but said, "If a garage was feasibility I'd favor it, but costs are an issue after [a potential] 27 layoffs. I don't think it's fair" to make big financial commitments.

Wellinghorst holds a similar opinion on Graydon Pool, but admits he would like more information before adopting a firm stance. 

"I think it's unfair to state a position on Graydon, but I think it's insensitive to talk about redoing a pool" after major village layoffs.

Outgoing Councilman Patrick Mancuso recently recommended the council table Graydon renovation talks, citing a lack of funds.

Wellinghorst resides in Ridgewood with his wife, Liz, and two children, who both attend Travell Elementary School. A life-long New Jersey resident, he grew up in Brielle.

Wellinghorst currently is a partner in the Woodland Park law firm of Wellinghorst & Fronzuto. In local government, Wellinghorst served as a municipal court judge in West Paterson from 2002 to 2006, where he was previously the public defender for two years. He formerly represented insurance companies, worked as an assistant prosecutor in Asbury Park and worked in the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office.

In the media, Wellinghorst appeared as a guest legal commentator on MSNBC, Fox, CNN, Court TV and News 12 New Jersey. His show Case in Point was an informative legal show periodically aired throughout the day on News 12 New Jersey. In recent months, he's worked mainly as a trial attorney.

Wellinghorst received a bachelor's degree from Montclair State University,  and a law degree from Ohio Northern University in Ada, OH. During college, Wellinghorst served as an intern with the late Ridgewood Congresswoman Marge Roukema.

"I will be meeting with many of you as I complete my Petition to be placed on the November ballot and to discuss the vital issues affecting the village," Wellinghorst said.

Residents may contact Wellinghorst at Wellinghorstforcouncil@gmail.com.