Township Council Votes in New Member

In a 3-0 vote with one abstention, West Orange township council approved Elnardo Webster Sr., of West Orange, to fill the vacant council seat left by now-Mayor Robert Parisi. Councilman Sal Anderton said he abstained because he preferred a placeholder candidate who would pledge he/she would not run in November.

Webster, who does plan to run in November to fill the seat for the remainder of the term, said his goal is to develop a township community strategic plan.

"I want to get that off the ground and get some support and see if we can capture all the different ideas and thoughts of what West Orange is and where it should be," he said. "You no longer can plan year to year, you have to have a five-to-10 year vision if you're going to survive ... and we're not looking at surviving, we're looking at excelling."

The council said it received four resumes for the four-month position that was advertised in June.

Webster, a former Roselle Borough Public Schools superintendent and Hudson County freeholder, has a seven-page resume that includes student achievement awards and honors, as well as a background in development and community outreach.

"I think my experience in the government sector and public sector of 30-plus years will be beneficial to West Orange," said Webster. "I've always been community oriented and passionate about community service and now that I'm retired ... I have the time, passion and energy to make a difference."

Parisi, who knew three of the four candidates, but had no voting power to fill the position, said Webster is a good fit for his seat.

"He's been in town a long time and, given his education and background in organizations, his expertise will be very helpful," he said.

Attendees at Tuesday's meeting included N.J. Sen. Sandra Cunningham, whose district includes Jersey City, a longtime friend of Webster; Essex County Administrator Joyce Wilson Harley, African Heritage Organization President Bryn Whittle and family members, including his son, Elnardo Webster Jr., a former member of the Pittsburgh Steelers NFL team.