April 11, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • Page 11 Ridgewood Ridgewood Councilman Stephen Wellinghorst, who won an off-season election to fill the unexpired council term of the late Anne Zusy, said he has mixed feelings about not seeking a full four-year term in the May 8 non-partisan election. “The decision not to seek re-election for village council is bittersweet,” Wellinghorst said last week. “While I have enjoyed my time on the council, both in terms of Wellinghorst to leave council after next election the work and my fellow council members, I have found that my family and work demands exceed the available time necessary to properly give to the residents of Ridgewood.” Wellinghorst, an attorney, had picked up a packet for possible nomination, but did not file for election. In Ridgewood, any candidate who receives the signatures of one percent of the village’s registered voters on a nominating petition can be placed on the ballot. Candidates may run on local slates, but not as Democrats, Republicans, or members of other national parties. “I am proud of some of the things we were able to accomplish, and I hope I carried on the spirit of the late Anne Zusy in finishing her term,” Wellinghorst continued. “I plan on staying active in the issues that confront the village. My sincere thanks to the residents for permitting me to serve you.” The seated council had decided to convoke an off-season election last year rather than fill the remaining year of Zusy’s term by appointment. Wellinghorst, who had served on the Ridgewood Zoning Board of Adjustment some years ago, and as a The Ridgewood Ice Hockey Foundation topped the list of donors to school activities at the most recent meeting of the Ridgewood Board of Education with a gift of $42,933. The funds will be used for the Ridgewood High School Ice Hockey program. The Hawes Dads’ Night program and the Hawes Home and School Association gave the Hawes School a gift in kind of a Foundation donates $42,933 new playground valued at $35,000. The Ridgewood School Home and School Association gave the Ridge School $880 to be used for the Library Book Gifting Program. The Orchard School Home and School Association also donated $250 to the school’s teacher recognition program. J. KOSTER municipal attorney in other towns, was one of four candidates for the one-year term. The two remaining incumbents, Keith Killion – who is now serving as mayor – and Councilman Paul Aronsohn have both filed for re-election. The other candidates are Planning Board Vice Chairman Albert J. Pucciarelli, who is running under the slogan Service with Experience and Dedication; former council candidate Russell R. Forenza, who was defeated by Wellinghorst last year; planning board member Mary Jane Shinozuka, with the slogan Careful Progress for Ridgewood; and Gwenn Hauck, former vice president of the Valley Hospital Auxiliary, with the slogan Passion, Caring, Leadership. A Candidates Night has been proposed for April 30.