Sen. Menendez to Swear in Aronsohn, Hauck, Pucciarelli

One of the state's most prominent politicians will usher in the new council majority at the reorganization meeting on Sunday, July 1.

U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) will be at swearing in Councilman Paul Aronsohn and council-elect Albert Pucciarelli and Gwenn Hauck. The three ran as a "like-minded" bloc in the non-partisan May election.

Aronsohn is well known in Democrat circles. The incumbent councilman worked in the Clinton White House and then as ex-Gov. Jim McGreevey's communications director before unsuccessfully challenging Rep. Scott Garrett (R-5) in 2006.

There are those in Ridgewood who believe Aronsohn will bring a factional party element to village politics, and Menendez's presence on July 1 won't quiet those voices.

Aronsohn says the notion of him bringing party politics into Ridgewood simply isn't true.

In a telephone conversation, Aronsohn – who is expected to be appointed mayor – said State Senator Kevin O'Toole (R-40) had initially been approached to conduct the swearing in, but he was unable to attend as it conflicted with his own father's swearing in down in Essex County.

Also new to the ceremony this year, according to Aronsohn, is the after-party in the court yard. Typically department heads are treated to a taxpayer-funded meal, the councilman said. This year, Pucciarelli, Hauck and Aronsohn will be footing the bill.

The trio incumbent mayor Keith Killion and candidates Jane Shinozuka and Russell Forenza in the May election. They will serve four-year terms.

The event is open to the public and starts at 12 p.m. at Village Hall.

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