Westwood: Contested Races Underway For Mayor Seat, Council Terms

WESTWOOD, NJ – In Westwood, races for mayor seat, as well as two council terms, are contested.

After longtime Democrat Mayor John Birkner, Jr.'s decision to not seek election and instead pursue an Assembly seat, incumbent Republican councilman Ray Arroyo and Democratic councilwoman Jodi Murphy are running for the seat.

Robert Bicocchi and Beth Anne Dell, both Republican incumbents are seeking re-election and being challenged by Democrats Lea Simone and Iraj Hastings.

Westwood's governing body currently consists of four Republicans, two Democrats and a Democrat mayor.

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

Mayor (One 4-year term)

Ray Arroyo (Republican)

• Age: 64
• Years in town: 26 years
• Occupation: Construction manager based in New York City
• Public offices held: Has served two terms on the Westwood Council, currently completing first year into third council term.
• Family: Married to Jo Ann with a son, Christian, currently a senior at Ramapo College
• Community activities: Involved with the Knights of Columbus and fundraising for the developmentally disabled
• Why are you running: At February’s swearing in for my third Council term, the standing room only crowd consisted of Republican, Democrat and independent residents who appreciated my record of service on their behalf. That enthusiastic reception, and my commitment to our community, inspired me to run for Mayor. I am uniquely qualified for the role. My education, my 30 year career in a highly competitive, schedule, cost and detail driven industry, coupled with the knowledge and experience acquired after 8 years on Zoning Board, and 7 years on Council has equipped me with the necessary tools to serve as your Mayor. Land use and Public Safety are two cornerstones upon which we build our lives in Westwood. Land use establishes the quality of our community’s physical environment: size, scale, density and intensity determine the comfort and character of our community. Responsible commercial redevelopment offset cost burdens on residential taxpayers. Public Safety secures our families’ lives and property, enabling residents to freely enjoy Westwood’s numerous amenities. These fundamentals have been the twin focus of my public service. Westwood is routinely cited as one of “The Best Places in N.J. For …..” Enlightened policies implemented by our predecessors and experienced decision makers, like Beth and Rob, make that possible. Our governance and small town culture has long provided a viable alternative to “inevitable” urbanism. It’s why successive generations return and raise families here in Westwood. The Borough’s future success is based upon continuity, stability and thoughtful, incremental change; which Beth, Rob and I have consistently delivered.

Jodi Murphy (Democrat)

• Age: 42
• Years in town: 20+ years
• Occupation: Small business manager
• Public offices held: Currently on Westwood council
• Family: One son, Cooper
• Community activities: Recreation Advisory Board, Member of Westwood’s Green Team, PTO co-president at Brookside School, Involved with Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training as a participant and coach. Fosters dogs for Eleventh Hour Rescue
• Why are you running: I am committed to Westwood’s progress. My vision is to bring Westwood to the future through sustainable measures while still maintaining the small town feel, and preserving the rich history, that we all know and love. I thank you in advance for your support!

Two 3-year council terms

Beth Anne Dell (Republican)

• Age: 58
• Years in town: 19 years
• Occupation: Site manager for Glen Courts Senior Independent Living in Glen Rock
• Public offices held: Has served on Westwood Council since 2015
• Family: Married to Mark for 27 years, with two sons
• Community activities: Current vice president of the Westwood-Washington Township Education Foundation, senior church warden and board member for the county homeless shelter. Previously served on several school committees, including PTO
• Why are you running: I am running to continue my service as a council member and build on the many accomplishments and relationships I’ve worked so hard to achieve with my colleagues and running mates, Ray Arroyo and Robert Bicocchi. Together we have cultivated the progress that has crowned Westwood as a predominant gem in the Pascack Valley. Prudent financial decisions are required to protect our residents through our Police, Ambulance and Fire Departments. Our DPW needs to be well equipped to maintain our parks and roads. The Board of Health, Recreation Department, and Library provide incredible value to the quality of life for ALL of our community members, birth to 100+. I have been Liaison to most of these departments and cast critical votes as Councilmember to ensure their continued, positive trajectories. My family and I are so proud of our beautiful community and love living here. I was truly honored when Westwood voters provided me the privilege of serving my current term. I will continue to put my heart and soul into protecting and enhancing the quality of life for all of my fellow Westwood residents.

Robert Bicocchi (Republican)

• Age: 54
• Years in town: 23 years
• Occupation: Senior property manager for CBRE
• Public offices held: Councilman for six years, member of the zoning board of adjustment and planning board.
• Family: Married to Roseann, with one son, 18-year-old Philip
• Community activities: Board member for KIDSFORKIDSNYC, board trustee at HUMC North at Pascack Valley, former Westwood Baseball board member and coach, former Westwood Flag Football coach
• Why are you running: I am seeking re-election for Council, with Beth Dell and alongside Council President Ray Arroyo for Mayor, in order to continue to play a critical role in Westwood's enduring recognition in various publications as one of the best places to retire, shop, live, and above all, one of the safest places in New Jersey and just recently awarded Great Downtown by APA . Westwood's success is a product of dedicated and experienced leadership that puts volunteerism above self-interest and partisan politics. Our efforts have been realized in the value of first-rate services the Borough of Westwood is able to provide to its residents. Westwood parents see the value in our parks and Recreation Department which are the envy of the Pascack Valley because of extensive offerings and well-maintained fields upon which our children play safely. Our First Responders appreciate the value of protecting residents of all ages with equipment acquired through 1033 Federal Surplus Program which outfits the units with repurposed gear, in line with our efforts towards becoming a more sustainable community. Families enjoy the value of safe routes to school, ensured by the securing of grant funding. Westwood's friendly, hometown environment is the result of earlier, forward thinking planners of whose ranks I am proud to have been granted the opportunity to stand amongst. Seen or unseen, the decisions made by the current and previous Councils have added great value to the lives of Westwood.

Lea Simone (Democrat)

• Age: 43
• Years in town: 4
• Occupation: Educator; Highly Qualified K-12 and ESL Certified
• Public offices held: None
• Family: Married to Erik. Daughter, 8-year-old Hayden, a student in the Westwood Regional School District
• Community activities: Westwood Green Team, Celebrate Westwood Committee, Westwood Creative Team, Chair for Art to Remember and the largest school fundraiser, volunteer for town wide events and at my daughter’s school
• Why are you running? As the mother of an 8 year old and as a resident, I want to work with the community to take on challenges with a fresh perspective that reflects all Westwood residents.

Iraj Hastings (Democrat)

• Age: 47
• Years in town: 12
• Occupation: Information Technology Consultant
• Public offices held: None
• Family: Married to Michele, with two daughters, 16-year-old Claudia and 12-year-old Sarah
• Community activities: Westwood Community Band/Brass Band member, Westwood Softball Association – Recreation and travel coach/board member
• Why are you running: I am running for two main reasons. First, I want to use my 25+ years of experience helping companies and organizations meet their goals to give back to this great community that has given my family so much. I also want to ensure that Westwood is a place that my family can live in for generations to come. To do that, I want to work with community leaders to keep Westwood safe for residents of all ages, ensure our schools and businesses are in an environment that they can thrive in and provide services that make Westwood a desirable place for people to live and work.