Farewell to Mayor Teena Schwartz

At a bittersweet meeting in the Verona Municipal Building, the council and administration bid a fond farewell to Mayor Teena Schwartz, who presided over her last meeting of the council. The mayor’s term expires on June 30 and she is not seeking re-election.

In his remarks, Joseph Martin, township manager, reflected on his previous years working with Schwartz at the Essex County level. Commenting on the mayor’s dedication to the township, Martin called her service, “Splendid as a member of the governing body and mayor of Verona. Sterling. With compassion accompanied by common sense.”

In addition to the praise and gratitude Schwartz received from council members, the mayor was presented with an engraved clock and a bouquet of flowers. The inscription on the clock marked the years Schwartz spent as a council member and mayor. Furthermore, Ann Mega, former mayor of Cedar Grove and the liaison from Congressman Bill Pascrell’s office was present to offer a letter of commendation from Pascrell to the mayor.

In her response to the tribute, Schwartz expressed her thanks and said, “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve both on the council and as mayor in Verona. Verona is a great town. I’m proud to say that I’m from Verona and I was prouder to say, wherever I went, that I was mayor of Verona. I have to say this has been one exciting roller coaster ride and to tell you the truth, I’m glad I got on.”

During the public comments portion of the meeting, some residents thanked the mayor for her service and her vote opposing the approval of the budget while they continued to condemn council members who voted for the budget.
A Sunset Avenue resident vehemently expressed his disappointment in Councilman Frank Sapienza’s vote for the budget. The resident alleges that before his re-election, Sapienza promised not to raise taxes. The resident called for Sapienza's resignation. In a rebuttal, Schwartz responded no tax increase was a goal, not a promise.

A number of resolutions were also approved regarding setting the council meeting dates for the next twelve months, renewal of liquor licenses, receipt but not approval of the township annual audit, and reconstruction of Morningside Road.

Of special note is the moving of the ceremonial swearing in and reorganization of the governing body. Originally planned for June 30, the official swearing in of council will take place at 8 a.m. on July 1 with the ceremonial meeting now moved to Tuesday, July 5 at 6 p.m. on the steps of the municipal building, weather permitting. Otherwise the meeting will take place in council chambers.

The mayor concluded the meeting by requesting, “I’ll entertain, for the last time, a motion to adjourn?” The motion was moved and seconded.