Dear Elmwood Park Residents,

Let me begin by again extending my heartfelt condolences to the Mola Family on the loss of our Mayor, Richard A. Mola.

Few can imagine a consecutive 45 year career as Mayor, but Mayor Mola accomplished that through his constant hard work and provided incredible service to our Borough. He will certainly be missed by all of us, but his legacy and dedication will be remembered always.

As a tribute to the Mayor, we have linked the eulogy provided at his funeral by our Borough Clerk, Keith Kazmark here for all to read and share.

Please know that during this difficult time, our Borough government continues to operate and function.

In the coming weeks and months we will all need to adjust, as a community, following nearly five decades of Mayor Mola’s leadership.

In an effort to chart a path forward, I would like to share with the public the process of selecting an Interim Mayor.

The Municipal Vacancy Law is outlined in State Statute, N.J.S.A. 40A:16.

As guided by the statute above, by November 4, 2016, the Elmwood Park Republican Municipal Committee must submit three (3) nominees to the Borough Council to fill the position of Mayor, via written letter to the Municipal Clerk.

By no later than November 19, 2016, the Borough Council may select one (1) of the three (3) nominees submitted by the Republican Municipal Committee to fill the position of Mayor. The selected individual will serve as Interim Mayor through the November 2017 General Election in which a special election will be held to fill the unexpired two years of Mayor Mola’s term.

Based on this schedule, and while subject to change, the appointment of an Interim Mayor will likely take place at the next public Council Meeting on Thursday, November 10, 2016.

I hope that this correspondence provides you with information as to the process of selecting an Interim Mayor.

Please continue to keep the Mola Family in your thoughts and prayers, and always know our community is a stronger place thanks to his leadership.

Sincerely,
Louis R. Vuoncino
Council President/Acting Mayor