July 14, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • Page 5 Ridgewood New mayor, council members cite fiscal responsibility by John Koster Ridgewood’s new Mayor Keith Killion and Deputy Mayor Thomas Riche emphasized fiscal responsibility to all citizens as the hallmark of the new administration at the July 1 reorganization meeting. Mayor Killion pledged that all citizens would be heard in their neighborhood concerns. He cited his defense of the United States Constitution as a soldier and a policeman. Killion, a 30-year veteran of the Ridgewood Police Department, served with the 610th Engineer Company, 18th Engineer Division of the U.S. Army in Vietnam. He was chief of detectives with the Ridgewood Police Department when he retired two years ago after being elected to the council as the top vote-getter. The new mayor is a life-long Ridgewood resident and a graduate of Ridgewood High School. His mixture of conservatism, common sense, and compassion have made him a favorite even with critics of local government, qualities noted by departing Mayor David Pfund. “Gone are the days of unlimited spending,” said Riche, who had served a previous term on the council from 1998 to 2002 and remained active on the Ridgewood Planning Board. “Ridgewood citizens, and especially our senior citizens, have reached the point of strangulation by taxes…Our job will be protect and preserve those assets that were left to us. I gratefully and humbly accept that challenge.” The council will bring that concern to the attention of the Ridgewood municipal employees and the Ridgewood Board of Education, Riche said. Councilwoman Bernadette Walsh, Riche’s running mate in the May 11 election, concurred that fiscal responsibility would be the hallmark of the next two years. Riche and Walsh ran in particular in opposition to a $10million renovation of the Graydon Pool into a collection of concrete pools with money to be bonded by the taxpayers. They won by a margin of approximately 3 to 2. Walsh was also appointed to the Ridgewood Planning Board at the July 1 meeting. Out-going mayor David Pfund, and former council member/mayor Patrick Mancuso, opted not to seek re-election this year. Mancuso and Pfund were warmly applauded for their public service. The emphasis of the meeting, however, appeared to be how to get through the present financial crunch. After eight years of service, Pfund, an attorney, said his wife, who is also an attorney, had vowed to work for the opposition if he so much as dared to run for office again. He was particularly praised for suggesting and endorsing a playground for children of elementary school age for use while their older siblings played organized sports on Veterans Field, one of the most popular facilities in Ridgewood. Mancuso said that his proudest hour as mayor had come when one of the citizens who had kept Ridgewood public council meetings going until 1 a.m. asked him, “Why does Ridgewood always have to keep up with the Joneses?” “We are the Joneses,” Mancuso replied. Ridgewood, Mancuso said, is the town in New Jersey where everybody wants to live, because of the top-flight schools and high level of local services. Mancuso’s 20-year tenure on the governing body is said to be a record. Ridgewood Mayor Keith Killion and Deputy Mayor Thomas Riche at the reorganization session. Allergies? Change The Cabin Air Filter! Spring Showers? Change The Wipers! PROFESSIONAL A/C Quick-Check TIRE & AUTO SERVICE Offering All Services for Most Vehicles Make Your Appointment Online service@richtersauto.com All Major Brand Tires Available FREE Verify Compressor Operation Test Outlet Temperature But STILL can’t lose that Tummy or Cellulite? Call me about VelaShapeTM A NEW Nonsurgical method of Fat reduction and body contouring • Non-invasive • No Anesthesia • No Downtime Beverly Dunn, MD Waldwick, NJ • 201-445-0032 Dieting? Working Out? w/Coupon•Exp. 7/31/10•not combinable $ 209 S. Maple Ave. Ridgewood www.richtersauto.com 201-652-4818 Any A/C Service $150 or more w/Coupon•Exp. 7/31/10•not combinable 25 Off Decorating Den Interiors Comes to Your Doorstep! 7-14-10 kathy/janine RichtersAir2x2(7-14-10) 2 x 2” ertified Interior Decorators Lucia Palmeri and Lauren Woods provide a complete in-home or in-office interior decorating service by bringing thousands of samples directly to their clients. They are then able to design the room in the client’s own surroundings. “It’s our belief that your home should indeed say something about you – your personal interests – the area in which Lauren Woods, C.I.D. and you live – your culture – your talents – your loves. A beautiful home doesn’t just happen. Good decorating is the result of Lucia Palmeri, C.I.D. good planning and should start by developing a comprehensive, detailed decorating plan. We have the talent, experience and specialized knowledge to help you pull it all together.” As owners of Decorating Den Interiors, Lucia and Lauren can provide a wide breadth of products from custom designed window treatments to carpeting and area rugs, wall covering, custom furniture, lighting and accessories. “We pride ourselves on our ability to work within our clients’ budgets to create a custom room for function, comfort and beauty. We handle all the details so you don’t have to.” “Clients working with our small business have the buying power of a very large established company behind us. Unlike a store, we have no loyalties to a particular vendor and in fact have over 100 different manufacturers to make the right choices for our clients.” Lucia and Lauren are ready to help clients with any size project. “No project is too small or too big.” Call (201) 6618606 today for a complimentary 90 minute consultation. C Serving All Your Air Conditioning & Heating Needs Prompt, Reliable Service You Can Depend On, Plus The Personal Attention You Deserve. • Oil & Gas Heat Systems Serviced & Installed • Automatic Fuel Oil Deliveries • Tank Insurance Available 24 Hour Air it n tion ConsdInsiollaing ta , Sale & Service ����������������������� 201-891-1000 Emergency Service