Gottheimer Swears in Ridgewood’s First Latino Mayor, New Teaneck Councilman

This week, Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) joined members of the community at swearing in ceremonies in Ridgewood and Teaneck, where he administered the Oath of Office to new local elected officials.

On Sunday, July 1, 2018, Gottheimer joined Ridgewood families and local elected officials including Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco and Freeholder Tracy Zur at the Ridgewood Village Council’s Reorganization Ceremony. There, Gottheimer administered the Oath of Office to new Ridgewood Mayor Ramon Hache, and presented Congressional Certificates of Recognition to Deputy Mayor Susan Knudsen and Councilman Michael Sedon.

On Monday, July 2, 2018, Gottheimer joined Senator Bob Menendez, Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco, Freeholder Tracy Zur, Freeholder Germaine Ortiz, other local elected officials, and Teaneck families at the Teaneck Council’s Reorganization Ceremony. There Gottheimer administered the Oath of Office to new Teaneck Councilman Jim Dunleavy.

In Ridgewood, Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) said, “I used to live in Ridgewood, and I know it’s an incredible town filled with wonderful people, dedicated first responders, great schools, and strong businesses. That’s why I was so proud to swear in new Ridgewood Mayor Ramon Hache, the town’s first Latino mayor. Mayor Hache embodies the American Dream. The Mayor came to America as a young child, learned English, excelled in Ridgewood’s schools, became a U.S. citizen, started a lovely family, achieved success in business, and always gave back to those around him. In addition to being our new mayor, Ramon is a soccer coach, a business leader, a committed volunteer, a spiritual leader, a dedicated husband, and an attentive father to his six young children. I look forward to continuing to work with the Mayor to bring jobs and businesses to the area, take care of first responders, and keep our community safe.”

In Teaneck, Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) said, “Fighting for the Fifth District in Congress, I’ve learned that what makes communities really work is making sure that streets are paved, first responders are taken care of, and clean water is running. New Councilman Jim Dunleavy—a 31-year-resident of Teaneck, and a devoted husband, father, neighbor, doctor, soccer coach, and friend—will do all that and more. Since coming to Teaneck, Jim has worked to better life for those around him, including by developing and running a soccer program for children with special needs, leading the Teaneck Planning Board in eliminating issues that make businesses less likely to come to the area, and helping keep our parks and playgrounds clean. Thank you, Jim, for your continued service to our community.”