Bergenfield Mayor And Councilmen Sworn To New Terms

BERGENFIELD, N.J. -- The Mayor and two incumbent Bergenfield council members were sworn to new terms of office Friday, Jan. 1.

Bergenfield Mayor Norman Schmelz, surrounded by family, was sworn in to a new 4-year term Friday. Also shown are 38th District Assemblyman Joe Lagana, left, and U.S. Rep E. Scott Garrett, right.
Photo Credit: *Robt. E. Kirsch*

Councilman Hernando Rivera takes the oath of office for his second term as Bergenfield councilman with family looking on. His oath was given by 38th District Assemblyman Robert Gordon.
Photo Credit: *Robt. E. Kirsch*

Bergen County freeholders Tracy Zur, left, and Tom Sullivan, second from right, joined the Bergenfield Mayor and Council for their reorganization Friday.
Photo Credit: *Robt. E. Kirsch*

38th District Assemblyman Joseph Lagana congratulates Councilman Hernando Rivera.
Photo Credit: *Robt. E. Kirsch*

Councilman Thomas A. Lodato sworn to a new term on the Bergenfield Mayor and Council.
Photo Credit: *Robt. E. Kirsch*

Mary K. Miraglia

01/04/2016 5:30 a.m.

Mayor Norman Schmelz, elected by only a few votes against a strong challenge in November, was sworn in for his first full term as mayor by GOP Congressman E. Scott Garrett.

Schmelz was previously elected to fill the unexpired term of Mayor Timothy Driscoll.

Councilman Thomas A. Lodato, whose father James is a former Bergenfield mayor, is now serving his fourth term on the council.

Lodato’s oath was given by his wife Mary Ann Salemi, a Hackensack attorney, and his teenaged daughter held the Bible.

Councilman Hernando Rivera was sworn to his second term by 38th District state Senator Robert Gordon of Fair Lawn, accompanied by his wife, children, and other family members.

Rivera is a native of Colombia who moved to Bergenfield just a decade ago.

Other well-wishers included Assemblyman Joseph Lagana, Paramus; Freeholder Tracy Zur of Franklin Lakes, and Freeholder Thomas Sullivan of Montvale, who grew up in Bergenfield and lived there many years before moving to Montvale.

Click here to follow Daily Voice Bergenfield and receive free news updates.