Mahwah November 25, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 3 Council reaches consensus on new member by Frank J. McMahon The Mahwah Township Council has reached a consensus on the person who will replace Councilman Robert Hermansen in January after he formally submits his resignation to the governing body. Hermansen was elected as a Bergen County Freeholder in the general election, and state law prohibits an elected county public office holder from serving as an elected member of a municipal governing body at the same time. He has announced that he will formally resign from the council at 4 p.m. on Jan. 6, immediately before he is sworn in as a freeholder. The council has 30 days from that date to appoint a replacement. John DaPuzzo confirmed last week, however, that following conversations between individual members of the council, a consensus has developed that Harry Williams, the current chairman of the Mahwah Recreation Committee, would be the majority choice to replace Hermansen. He emphasized, however, that no formal action will be taken on the replacement until after Hermansen submits his resignation. DaPuzzo advised that several people had indicated interest in the seat on the council, but he said, “It looks like Harry Williams’ name has floated to the top. Right now, the way it stands, with the group of people who put their names in, Harry Williams looks like he will be the next council member.” DaPuzzo added, “Nothing is in stone until we vote with a majority to choose him.” Williams sought election to the council in 2006, but lost that election by two votes to the fourth of the top four candidates who were elected to the council that year. He is a 16-year township resident and has been chairman of the Mahwah Recreation Committee since July 2006. A footwear business executive for 36 years, Williams has been a youth sports booster coach in baseball, softball, soccer, and basketball in the township, and was president of the Bergen Raiders Soccer Club, now the Mahwah Soccer Club, from 2003 to 2006. “I have offered my services if the council so chooses that I will be the one they will appoint to the council,” Williams said last week, adding that he would not only consider it a challenge, but also a great honor, to try to do his part for the township. “I’ve been a continual volunteer in many different aspects including the planning board and the Recreation Committee,” Williams continued, “and I enjoy the public service and the interaction with the community. It’s been a great place to live and the neighbors are terrific, and that’s why I am looking forward to it. If I can help in another way, certainly I would be happy to serve.” Hermansen, who was elected to the council in 2006, has lived in Mahwah for over eight years and in Bergen County for the last 27 years. Once he is sworn in to his new post, he will serve a three-year term as a Bergen County Freeholder. Elevated lead levels in water The Mahwah Water Department has found elevated levels of lead in the drinking water in some homes and buildings in the community. Lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and children six years old and younger. Lead is a common metal found in the environment. Drinking water is one possible source of lead exposure. The main sources of lead exposure are lead-based paint and lead contaminated dust or soil. Residents can reduce their exposure in water by running the tap for 15 to 30 seconds to flush out lead, and by using cold water for cooking and preparing formula. Boiling water does not remove lead. The Mahwah Water Department may be contacted at (201) 512-1161 for information on how to have water tested for lead and for other details. The Environmental Protection Agency’s website, epa.gov/lead, and health care providers can also provide information on reducing lead exposure and the health effects of lead. Drop The “Puck” At Brady’s Ramsey High School Ice Hockey 2009 State Championship Banner Fund Raising Night! Tuesday, December 1, 2009 • 7:00pm to 10:00pm – $35.00 per person – Buffet and a Cash Bar • Memorabilia Silent Auction Chances to win other prizes Come celebrate the raising of the 2009 State Championship Banner at Brady’s in Ramsey, NJ and wish the team well in their 2010 Title Defense For tickets to the event, please send your name with check payable to: The Ramsey Hockey Association, P.O. Box 225, Ramsey, NJ 07446 or Email Brian O’Callahan at bocallahan@yahoo.com with the number of tickets ordered at $35 per person. 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