Laforet Recalled, Roth Elected Mayor

MAHWAH, NJ — Township residents sent a message to now ex-Mayor Bill Laforet: We want you to go.

Residents voted Tuesday to recall Laforet and elected John Roth to be the next mayor of Mahwah. Roth received 4,356 votes to Laforet's 3,426

For a lot of residents, this day was a long time coming. For years residents tried to bring a recall election against Laforet and earlier this year, they succeeded, following a failed attempt in 2015. Four other people initially filed to run against Laforet, but three others dropped out, leaving John Roth as his lone opponent.

Roth will immediately become mayor and serve out the rest of Laforet's term.

Roth lost to Laforet in the 2016 mayoral election by only 92 votes. (See related: Election Results: William Laforet Wins Mahwah Mayoral Race)

Roth has a long history of public service. He served on the Board of Education for five years, the Planning Board for two, and then 12-years on the council. He was elected council president four times.

Laforet and the Town Council locked horns regarding a controversial ordinance banning non-New Jersey residents from using township parks. Laforet came under fire for criticizing the Town Council over the ordinance and its alleged discrimination against Orthodox Jews.

The Town Council cast a vote of no confidence in Laforet in September — the second such vote cast against him in three years.

"If I am elected mayor, animosity and blame stop on Day 1," Roth said. "We need more cooperation, and we'll have it if I am elected mayor."

Laforet said the Town Council has "gone off the rails" and that a "deep divide" exists between himself and them.

REAL-TIME RESULTS

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com

Photos: William Laforet and John Roth speak at a candidates night Oct. 23. (By Daniel Hubbard, Patch staff)