Teaneck Council Elections Moving To November, Mayor Responds

TEANECK, NJ — Council elections are set to move to November after Teaneck voters, in a resounding effort, supported the move on the ballot, according to unofficial results from Bergen County.

As of Monday, 68 percent of the township voted to move the elections to November — Question 1 — while just less, 67 percent, also voted in favor of green energy on Question 2.

The result comes after an impassioned movement among residents, which included them suing the township this summer, to move the elections to November. It was also supported by retiring state Sen. Loretta Weinberg.

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Mayor James Dunleavy responded to voters in a letter to the township, in which he addressed both municipal questions.

"It is now clear that the majority of township voters who cast their ballots on November 2, 2021 chose to move our Council elections from May to November," he said.

"Voters also voted in the majority to have the township pursue energy aggregation opportunities for our residents. Thus, the 2022 council elections will convert to Bergen County control in November, rather than the traditional month of May."

In the rest of the statement, he asked for patience on green energy discussions, and togetherness among the township. Here's what else he had to say:

"As for energy aggregation, we will begin discussions with our town manager to map out the process needed to undertake and find the best possible program for our residents. I will ask for patience though, as this cannot happen until we get consultation, and review the aggregation market to see what is best for Teaneck.

The Township’s purchasing agent will need to advertise and solicit bids through the RFP process for energy aggregation services on behalf of our residents and businesses. Public notice will allow nonresidential energy consumers to opt into the program and residential customers to opt out. The program must show it will help improve New Jersey’s air quality and public health, while reducing harmful climate pollution and decreasing its reliance on fossil fuels.

So, it is now time for Teaneck to once again come together and move forward as we work to build a stronger, better township."