Washington Township Council President Wants to Run for Assembly Position

Washington Township Council President Fred Goetz said Wednesday he wants to represent the 39th District as an assemblyman.

Goetz has put his name forward for endorsement by the Bergen County Republican Organization (BCRO) to run as a candidate for the Assembly in November. Last week, Assemblywoman Charlotte Vandervalk announced she would no longer be seeking reelection.

Goetz said he would be an asset to the district because of his legislative experience on the township council and as council president and because he knows the district well. He ran his own business in Bergen County for a decade, served as a realtor for Caldwell Banker Alpine/Closter and has lived in several District 39 towns, including Closter, Old Tappan and Washington Township.

"I know the people in the different communities," Goetz said. "I have a lot of friends and supporters in all the towns."

Although he doesn't yet have a specific platform, he said if elected he would look at areas that might be lacking.

"I saw the opportunity and I'd love to be able to use my talents to the best of my ability to represent the district," Goetz said. "The district as a whole would be better served with me in the Assembly as opposed to just the council president of Washington Township."

The BCRO will be holding a special candidates night meeting Thursday at 7 p.m. at its headquarters for those seeking endorsement to run. In addition to Goetz, Scott Mooney of Emerson and Holly Schepisi of River Vale expressed interest in the position. Rob Hermansen of Mahwah initially said he would try to run, but announced Wednesday afternoon that he would not try for the post.

Goetz said his combination of legal expertise and legislative experience sets him apart. He said none of the attorneys running have held elected office as he has. He said he also knows how to run a campaign and would be "electable in the district."

County committee persons will hold a special election Sept. 12 to choose a candidate for the November ballot.

If Goetz is chosen to appear on the ballot and wins the seat, he would resign from the Washington Township council at its first meeting of 2012.