Page 4 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • January 11, 2012 Allendale Borough mayor pursues zero tax increase for 2012 by John Koster At last week’s reorganization session, Allendale Mayor Vince Barra said he hopes to maintain his 2011 pledge of zero tax increases for municipal government purchases in 2012. “We did it last year,” Mayor Barra said. “It’s going to be much tougher this year, but that’s our goal.” The pledge does not affect taxes for the K-8 and regional Jackie McSwiggan takes the oath of office from Mayor Vince Barra as her daughter, Kaitlyn McSwiggan, holds the Bible. schools or for Bergen County, which are outside the purview of local government. Mayor Barra added that the people around him would help to make his pledge a reality. “I am blessed to have a council like this,” he said. “They are hard-working, they are dedicated, and we all get along. That’s what it will take to make it all work.” The mayor’s short speech ended a reorganization meeting where the principal business was the oath of office to first-term Councilwoman Jacqueline McSwiggan and second-term Councilwoman Amy Wilczynski, both of whom were elected in November. “We’re really going to hold your feet to the fire,” Mayor Barra warned McSwiggan. “...and they’re big feet,” McSwiggan joked. Mayor Barra and council members observed that McSwiggan has already served on the K-8 Allendale Board of Education, the Allendale Planning Board, the Municipal Alliance Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse, and in several religious and charitable groups. The Allendale Borough Council was the only body left. (continued on page 13)