Cedar Grove Mayor Robert O'Toole Seeking Re-Election

Mayor Robert O'Toole is seeking one of two open four-year seats on the council. As he is running unopposed, along with Councilman Peter Tanella, O'Toole is all but assured his seat. Once the new council is seated, the governing body will decide from within the group who will be chosen as the Township's next mayor, who will serve a one year term in the position.

Patch asked O'Toole to submit a candidate statement and speak about some of his achievements while in office. What follows is that statement.

I am Robert O’Toole, and have been resident of Cedar Grove for 49 years. My spouse, Young-Ok, and I have raised our seven children in the Cedar Grove/St. Catherine School system along with some of our 10 grandchildren.

I have attended council meetings in the past for 30 years and decided to run for town council after I retired from business as Regional Manager of Westvaco. The main reason for serving as councilman is to cut unnecessary spending and give Cedar Grove residents the lowest property taxes in Essex County. The tax base in Cedar Grove has been held at 15-17 percent of your tax dollars for financing of the whole cost relating to the municipality. While on council and as Mayor for two terms, I have evaluated the budget page by page suggesting additional cuts to control the tax rate.

I have suggested, and the council agreed, to eliminate our stipends for the past three years along with the elimination of taxpayer financed conferences in Atlantic City.

I have lead the fight to keep Cedar Grove Green by requesting the County preserve the Hilltop and 90 acres hospital center as open space.

During my term as Mayor I introduced the “Animal House” ordinance to hold the landlords responsible for rowdy tenants. When Hurricane Floyd hit the Northeast and some residents were flooded, I, along with Little Falls and Woodland Park,  joined to establish the Regional Flood Board with the purpose of eliminating flooding along the Peckman River. We have arranged the desnagging of the Peckman River and possible tunneling of the Peckman in Little Falls by the Army Corps of Engineers.

I have been a member of the Cedar Grove Fire Department for 41 years. A member of St. Catherine of Siena Church contributing in the past on the school board, past chair of their Carnival and continue to be the clean up crew, along with my wife, during the carnival nights of shut down.

I am liaison to the Historical Society and Senior Citizen Club. I am a member of the Korean War Veterans Association and the American Legion.

Along with the position held as Regional manager at Westvaco in the past I am now General Manager and CFO of Amsco Wire Products in Ridgefield, N.J.

In the future I will continue fiscal responsibility and dedication to serving the residents of the Township of Cedar Grove. Thank you for your attention.