Charles J. Kahwaty’s Statement to be Mayor of Franklin Lakes, NJ

To my neighbors in Franklin Lakes:

When my family moved to Franklin Lakes from Ridgewood as a 13 year old teenager, I had misgivings. I had grown-up mostly in Fair Lawn, and I was leaving friends and familiar surroundings behind. The town, or at least the part of it known as Urban Farms, was still under construction, as was our house when we moved in. Over the years improvements were made, both to our home and to our community.

With college I moved away for a time (although I maintained Franklin Lakes as my residence), and with each passing year the town grew and prospered, coming to be known for its quality of life, its natural beauty, and its attractiveness to newcomers. In 2011, after spending approximately 30 years in the Borough, I was accorded the honor and privilege to become a councilman. During these years, I have been involved with some of the major decisions that have, I like to think, further improved the idyllic setting in which we live.

Now, with Mayor Bivona’s pending retirement, I am seeking your vote to carry that legacy forward into the new century. The mayor has extended me his endorsement to succeed him, for which I am most grateful. But more importantly, it reflects his belief that we have a common vision for Franklin Lakes. That vision includes maintaining a low tax rate for residents already burdened by limits on deductibility, improving and expanding services, new capital projects, responsible development of our downtown in accordance with our Master Plan, and addressing our affordable housing obligations without impairing the beauty of our community. A tall order at any time, but one that we have already proven can be done.

As a lawyer for over forty years, and a former President of the Bergen County Bar Association (one of the largest professional associations in the State), I believe that I have the skills to do the job. With our outstanding Council and Borough employees, we are well positioned to lead Franklin Lakes into its second hundred years.

On Primary Day, June 7, I hope you will agree that my decision to seek this office was justified.

Thank you.

Charles J. Kahwaty