Cannon Steps Down After Final Meeting

Ann Cannon has sat in the audience twice in three years for a River Edge Council meeting. The first was when her husband John Cannon took the oath of office to join the governing body and the second was this past week as Cannon attended his final work session and public meeting.

"I would like to thank the Mayor for her years of service and my husband," Ann Cannon said. "I'm grateful for all of you and your service. It's not an easy job as I know since I'm at home. I would like to acknowledge each of you and your spouses."

John Cannon was elected to the governing body in November 2008 and was sworn in in January 2009 following his successful campaign with former Councilwoman Mary Anne Rush. 

"I would like to thank my wife Ann first and foremost because from running the campaign to the time commitment with my being out and the kids not at home, you have always been supportive of whatever I do," Cannon said.

He further thanked the voters for giving him the opportunity to serve along with the borough's employees including Borough Administrator/CFO Alan Negreann, Borough Clerk Denise Don Diego and Deputy Borough Clerk Judy O'Connell who have kept the town running.

Over the years he has served as the liaison to the Historic Preservation Committee, the Library, the Police Department, Traffic and Safety Committee, Construction Code, Property Maintenance, as well as the liaison to New Jersey Transit for the at the southend of town.

He has been a member of the Finance Committee, New Milford/River Edge Shared Services Committee, Personnel Sub-Committee, July 4th Committee, Oradell/River Edge Shared Services Committee.

"You always did things with grace and humor," outgoing Mayor Margaret Watkins said of Cannon. "We're here for the betterment of town and not individual projects. We were voted by the people for the people to do their work and thank you John for always being open to that."

Cannon was up for reelection this fall but had that he would withdraw from the race to focus his attention on his business, Floorcom, Inc. He is also a wrestling coach in the borough.

"Not having John here is a loss to the council regardless of whether we always agree," Councilman Alphonse Bartelloni said. "He is an assess to the council and community and his absence will be missed."

Bartelloni's sentiments were echoed by each councilman who cited Cannon's commitment and dedication to the borough along with his advice, input and suggestions on any topic that came before him.

"I've really enjoyed my time up here and have learned a lot," Cannon said in closing. "I did not get into this for politicis, I don't really like politics much. I got into this because I live service and for the opportunity to learn how to use my business skills as part of running the town. My hope is that this council and the councils to come become less about politics and more about the business of running this town."

Cannon will be honored by the governing body at the Jan. 1 reorganization meeting for his years of service.