“It was bittersweet," Karcich told Daily Voice. "I wasn’t even sure if I could be there with my mom’s funeral services, but I know she would be proud."
Karcich's mother, Daphne, helped with the campaign, worked on fundraisers and made phone calls leading to her son's election victory in November.
State Assemblywoman Holly Schepisi swore in Karcich, whose aunt, Jacqueline Walker -- a former state assemblywoman herself -- was among the attendees.
Karcich operates Command Radio in Ramsey, a family business that supplies communication tools for schools and emergency service workers.
He says he's hoping to improve life in his hometown.
“You have to be very creative on how you can maintain the level of service in town and not raise taxes," Karcich said.
“We have some problems with our DPW from an equipment standpoint, so we are going to have to make some capital decisions on what the best equipment is for now and in the future," he said.
Karcich said he also hopes to see improved communications between the borough and residents through social media.
"I'm not the kind of guy to sit around and complain," he said. "I want to get my hands dirty and fix things.
"I have a great group in Hillsdale. It takes a village. There is a lot of work to do."
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