Ridgewood Mayor Congratulates Opposition On 'Decisive' Election Win

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — After what she called a "decisive victory" for her opponents, Mayor Susan Knudsen opened last week's council meeting with a speech congratulating newly elected council candidates Evan Weitz and Siobhan Winograd.

Knudsen and former Fire Chief James Van Goor lost their bids for council last week, with both lagging behind Weitz and Winograd by more than 1,200 votes.

As of 5:30 p.m. Nov. 9, Knudsen secured 3,266 votes, ahead of Van Goor's 2,655 votes. But Knudsen, despite her incumbency advantage, was defeated by the other two challengers.

"I am very excited for Ridgewood, as, come January, residents will have new leadership whom the voters selected," Knudsen said. "I look forward to their service, and I wish them the very best, and, of course, great success."

"I hope," she added, "that our residents and council colleagues will be both appreciative and gracious."

Van Goor was not present at the meeting.

Deputy Mayor Pamela Perron congratulated Weitz and Winograd, and said she looks forward to working with them.

"I would also like to thank (Knudsen) and (Van Goor) for running and making the outreach," Perron said. "... every time you try to connect with voters, you are getting them engaged and interested, and that is so important to good government."