Republican AshleyRice rounds out council

BY MICHAEL OLOHAN OF PASCACK PRESS

Emerson

The Borough Council on Jan. 17 voted, 3-2, for Ashley Rice to fill the unexpired term left by the resignation of councilman Don Pierro.

T hree council candidates were recommended by the Republican County Committee. Rice and former councilman Kenneth Hoffman received nominations. Rice was nominated first, and her nomination was approved. Her term expires Dec. 31.

Kelly Moore, Nicole Argenzia, and Michael Timmerman voted yes; Jill McGuire and Brian Gordon voted no. McGuire and Gordon had supported Hoffmanʼs nomination.

The 2022 governing body already constituted the first elect- ed female majority for Emerson.

Rice, chair of the Emerson Environmental Commission, said in her first remarks as a member of the council, “What an honor it is to sit here as part of the governing body. I have always been a supporter of the mayor and council and the work they do for the betterment of our town. Their leadership has inspired me to take this step forward.”

She added, “Iʼd also like to personally thank the council members who voted for me — honored to have your vote of trust.”

She said, “To the rest of the Emerson community, I promise to work hard to earn your support. Although Emerson has not always been my home, my roots are grounded and they are digging deep. I have spent the last few years volunteering for my children in various ways as their recreation coach for different sports and also with the Girl Scout organization.”

Rice said last year she was voted chair of the environment commission, and her goal was “to increase engagement and connect with as many corners of the community as possible. We were successful in so many ways, and formed solid relationships for programs that I hope will continue to be a success.”

“In this new role as councilwoman, I am looking forward to working alongside the mayor, fellow councilmembers, and our community as a whole, as we nurture and grow our family town,” she said.

M ayor Danielle DiPaola lauded Rice, in comments at the annual Greater Pascack Valley Chamber of Commerce Breakfast With the Mayors in Westwood on Jan. 18, as “a dynamic woman with a lot of fresh ideas and energy.”

Former council president Kenneth Hoffman, citing health reasons, withdrew from his reelection bid in 2021. He was honored with a plaque at the Dec. 28,

2021 sine die meeting thanking him for many years of service to Emerson.