The Westfield Leader Newspaper

The Westfield Leader

OUR 109th YEAR – ISSUE NO. 52- 99 FIFTY CENTS 232- 4407 Thursday, December 30, 1999 USPS 680020 Periodical – Postage Paid at Westfield, N. J. Published Every Thursday

Since 1890 Special Collector's Edition Publisher's Note

To distinguish the closing of the 20th century, this issue of The Westfield Leader is different in several respects.

It is printed on wide paper called "broadsheet," typical of the format in the 1920's. The banner on this front page is a reproduction of that used by The Leader in the 1890's.

Many articles are reprinted from past Leader publications as far back as 1896. Note, we've carried forward production errors and typos too. The reader is left to discern which advertisements are from the past. So, if you see an advertisement in which the prices are too good to be true, they probably are.

Our special thanks go to The Westfield Historical Society and The Westfield Memorial Library for their great assistance.

We hope you enjoy this issue.

Millennium Scrapbook Will be First Night Attendees' Special Opportunity to Record Personal and Community Impressions

By SUSAN M. DYCKMAN

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader

As part of Westfield's upcoming First Night celebration to herald the coming of a new year and a new millennium, participants are invited to take part in the creation of a permanent photo scrapbook.

Once completed, the unique Millennium Scrapbook will be housed for public viewing at a location in Westfield that has yet to be determined.

Individuals and families who wish to be represented in the scrapbook should bring a photograph with them to Cafeteria A at Westfield High School during First Night, according to Karen F. Simon, Director of Adult and Senior Programs for the Westfield Y, one of the event's major sponsors.

Participants will also have the option of having a picture taken at the high school on the night of December 31, when a special backdrop will be in

place. Participants will be able to design their own one- third of a page for the scrapbook, which can include handwritten thoughts and wishes regarding the new millennium and their lives in Westfield and surrounding communities.

The scrapbook was the idea of two women, Mickey Howard of Scotch Plains and Marie Ansari of Fanwood, who approached the First Night orga nizers with their proposal.

Their concept was presented as "Your Place in Time," a permanent photo scrapbook to record the First Night celebration. They thought the scrapbook would be an innovative way to record the evening and the "moment in time," said Barbara Carp, Co- Chairwoman of Arts and Entertainment for First Night.

Mrs. Carp commented that "scrapbooking" is a current, popular

way of cataloging special events and personal experiences. The Millennium Scrapbook, she added, reflected that trend as a way to commemorate a historic milestone.

Also included in the scrapbook will be a whole page from the Westfield Ministerium, a group of religious leaders representing various denominations throughout the community, Mrs. Carp said. They prepared a page reflecting

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

Three- Car Accident on Central Avenue Sends Vehicle Partially Through Coffee Shop Window

David B. Corbin for The Westfield Leader HISTORIC MOMENT... The Westfield Bicentennial year time capsule was buried in December of 1996, to be dug up again in 50 years. It contains such mementos as The Westfield Leader issue dated December 22, 1994, a local telephone book, Bicentennial patch, and Westfield Board of Realtors multiple listing book. Pictured, left to right, are: Bebbins Yudes, Bicentennial Commission; Courtney Bender and Peggy Bender, Youth Bicentennial Square Committee; Maggie Cimei and Ann Robinson, Bicentennial Commission; outgoing Mayor Garland C. "Bud" Boothe, Jr.; Donald Mokrauer, President of the Westfield Historical Society; Linda Maggio, Chairwoman of the Bicentennial Commission; former Town Historian and Commission member Ralph H. Jones; Allan Malcolm and Barbara Lewis, Commission members; Town Administrator Edward A. Gottko; Joan Hogan, Commission member; Fourth Ward Councilwoman Janis Fried Weinstein, Chairwoman of the Time Capsule Committee, and Town Engineer and Director of Public Works Kenneth B. Marsh. This photo and caption originally appeared in the December 26, 1996 issue of The Leader.

By SUZETTE F. STALKER

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader

A Scotch Plains woman had to be extricated from her car last Thursday morning following a three- vehicle accident which sent her 1998 BMW partially through a plate glass window of Starbucks Coffee shop on Central Avenue in Westfield.

Valerie Canter, 40, told authorities she was stopped in traffic in the southbound lane on Central Avenue with her left turn signal on, preparing to turn into the municipal parking lot adjacent to Starbucks, when she was struck from behind by another vehicle at 7: 55 a. m., according to Lieutenant John M. Parizeau of the Westfield Police Department.

Nathalie Garnier, 35, of Springfield, identified as the driver of the second vehicle, told police she attempted to stop her 1999 Ford Wagon from hitting the BMW, but failed to avoid a collision.

Lieutenant Parizeau said the impact caused the BMW to strike a 1999 Nissan vehicle coming northbound, driven by John Toriello, 47, of Westfield. The BMW then traveled

over the sidewalk before striking the exterior wall of the coffee shop, shattering the window and becoming partially lodged inside the building.

Ms. Garnier was issued a ticket for careless driving, Lieutenant Parizeau confirmed. It was unknown how fast she was traveling at the time the accident occurred.

Westfield firefighters used the jaws of life to remove the driver's side door of the BMW and, with assistance from Westfield Volunteer Rescue Squad personnel, extricated the woman from the vehicle, stated Westfield Deputy Fire Chief Raymond Luck, Jr. A tree which had been blocking access to the driver's side door had to be cut down in the course of the rescue operation.

The victim was transported to Overlook Hospital in Summit, where she was treated and released. No information was available on her injuries, and no other injuries were reported as a result of the accident. The section of Central Avenue in the vicinity of Starbucks was closed for a period of time while local units responded to the incident, Lieutenant Parizeau said.

Gail S. Corbin for The Westfield Leader RESCUE EFFORT… Westfield firefighters examine a damaged BMW after extricating driver Valerie Canter, 40, of Scotch Plains, with assistance from the Westfield Volunteer Rescue Squad, following an accident last Thursday morning on Central Avenue. The BMW, which was struck from behind by another vehicle, went partially through a window on the Starbucks Coffee building. The driver was transported to Overlook Hospital in Summit, where she was treated and released.

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Pedestrian Fatalities, Parking Deck Study, Revamp of TV- 36, Damage From 'Floyd' And Retirement of Longtime Municipal Officials Make Top Westfield Stories in 1999 By PAUL J. PEYTON

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader

The following is a recap of the people, issues and events that were reported on in 1999 by The Westfield Leader.

JANUARY

The new year got off to a bang with the third annual First Night Westfield, the town- wide celebration of the arts. This year included music from the 1960s and 1970s, country and western line dancing as well as balloon sculptures for the kids.

The event concluded with an indoor ball drop at the National Guard Armory and the singling of "Auld Lang Syne" by local music teacher and former Mayoral contender, Carolyn Klinger- Kueter.

Thomas C. Jardim was sworn into a second two- year term following his victory over Gail S. Vernick in November. The Mayor listed the plans for the development of a parking garage in the

downtown, a jitney shuttle service for commuters and senior citizens alike among his top agenda items.

Also taking office were Carl A. Salisbury, as the new First Ward Councilman, as well as Second Ward Councilman James J. Gruba, Third Ward Councilman John J. Walsh and Fourth Ward Councilman Lawrence A. Goldman.

During the annual Town Council reorganization meeting, William S. Jeremiah, 2nd, was moved from Planning Board Attorney to Town Attorney, replacing long- time attorney Charles H. Brandt upon his retirement.

William L. Brennan, a former Assistant District Attorney in Brooklyn and ex- Rutherford Councilman, was appointed Municipal Judge. Mr. Brennan filled the vacancy left by the resignation of Marion S. Mogielnicki in 1997. Judge Jeffrey Gechtman had been serving in an acting capacity since Ms. Mogielnicki's resignation.

Susan Jacobson announced her decision not to seek reelection to the Westfield Board of education after 12 years on the board.

Nicholas P. Scutari was named Chairman for 1999 of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Among the new programs he initiated for the new year were a scholarship program sponsored by the Freeholder Board for students who plan to attend Union County College.

In addition, he started a $5 million competitive grant program to help municipalities revitalize their business districts.

Sworn into three- year terms were Freeholders Mary P. Ruotolo of Westfield, Lewis Mingo, Jr., of Plainfield, both of who joined the board last year, and Freeholder Daniel P. Sullivan, who has been on the board since 1995.

The Westfield Planning Board gave approval to R. E. D. Realty to add two

floors to the former home of Wyckoff's Steak House, 109 North Avenue. The bottom floor was approved for retail space with Paine Webber leasing the top two floors for office space.

Superior Court Judge Cuddie E. Davidson, Jr. of Westfield died at the age of 77. Judge Davidson was a former Union County Assistant Prosecutor and Town Attorney. Appointed to the Superior Court in 1973, sitting in Elizabeth, he served for 15 years before retiring in 1988. He was a partner in the law firm of Buttermore Mullen Jeremiah and Phillips.

A 71- year- old Scotch Plains resident died of injuries she sustained after she was hit by a car while attempting to cross East Broad Street at the corner of Saint Paul Street.

The woman, Ellen E. Interdonato, 71, police said at the time, had apparently attended a choral arts concert at Saint Paul Episcopal Church.

Local District 22 legislators, Sena tor Donald T. DiFrancesco, Assemblymen

Richard H. Bagger and Alan M. Augustine, traveled to Texas to meet with Governor George M. Bush regarding his bid to seek the Republican Party nomination for President in 2000.

Warren Township Committeeman Jeff Golkin formerly announced his campaign for the Seventh Congressional seat held by Bob Franks since 1993. Mr. Golkin said he was kicking off his campaign a year early due to Mr. Franks vote to impeach President Bill Clinton over the President's affair with Monica Lewinsky.

FEBRUARY

The Westfield Community Center announced plans to build a two- story building to house both day care and adult care facilities across the street from its existing building on West Broad Street.

The Westfield School District received the seventh highest increase in

Lawrence A. Goldman Kenneth Rotter

Ingrid McKinley for The Westfield Leader STRANDED… A car becomes stranded on Harrison Avenue in Westfield after Hurricane Floyd dumped a river full of water throughout the neighborhood on Thursday, September 16, 1999.

Cheri Rogowsky for The Westfield Leader YEARS OF SELFLESS SERVICE… During last Tuesday evening's Town Council meeting, Mayor Thomas C. Jardim presented out- going Town Clerk Joy Vreeland with a resolution, honoring her 36 years of service. A lifelong resident of Westfield and the longest serving Clerk in Westfield history, Mrs. Vreeland has served under 11 mayors and attended over 1,000 council meetings. She will retire on January 1.

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Joy Vreeland Looks Back On 36 Years as Town Clerk

By MELISSA BETKOWSKI

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader

The longest- serving Town Clerk in Westfield's history begins her retirement January 1.

Joy Vreeland, a lifelong resident of Westfield, became the Acting Town Clerk in November of 1960 and was named the permanent town clerk on April 4, 1963.

As Town Clerk, Mrs. Vreeland was often the first person visitors to Westfield's Municipal Building would see and she was known for her friendly and welcoming manner.

In her tenure, she served under 11 mayors, attended more than 1,000 council meetings, worked through nine Presidential elections and could have processed as many as 72,000 dog licenses.

Mrs. Vreeland, who previously worked for the National Cash Register Co. and International Flavors and Fragrances, admitted that she could never have stayed in private industry as long as the nearly 40 years she spent with the Town of Westfield.

The variety of the Town Clerk's tasks, however, as well as the change in administrations made the municipal job most interesting, she said.

The duties of the Town Clerk are very varied, Mrs. Vreeland pointed out in an interview with The Westfield

Leader.

Some of her numerous tasks included handling elections, taking minutes at the Town Council meetings, swearing in new councilmen and mayors, maintaining parking permits, pet licenses and used car lot licenses, as well as permits for bingo and raffles.

Mrs. Vreeland estimates that there are more than 2,000 dog licenses issued every year by the town, with a small number of cat licenses added to that.

Additionally, Mrs. Vreeland has handled approximately 70 elections in her time as Town Clerk.

She said that one of the hardest things about the elections was trying to find people to work at the polls.

She noted that recently, the county has stepped in to help, by sending people from Elizabeth and Cranford.

Former Mayor Garland C. "Bud" Boothe, noted that one of Mrs. Vreeland's strengths was juggling a number of incredibly varied tasks.

Mrs. Vreeland also noted that the change in administration in the town has made her job interesting.

The town had been governed by a Republican majority until a few years ago when Democrats, although still in the minority, now hold three of eight council seats and the office of Mayor.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

Administrator Search Nearly Done By PAUL J. PEYTON

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader

A selection committee completed second interviews with candidates for a new Westfield Town Administrator last night.

Four candidates were brought back for interviews Tuesday and Wednesday nights and a final recommendation for a new Town Administrator could come shortly from the committee, according to Mayor Thomas C. Jardim.

"I am very happy with the process and with the four people we narrowed

it down to," the Mayor stated. He said yesterday morning that he is still hoping that the committee can make a final recommendation and bring that candidate before the council prior to the governing body's annual organizational meeting this Tuesday night, January 4.

The selection committee includes Fourth Ward Councilman Lawrence A. Goldman, Second Ward Councilman James J. Gruba, former councilman James Hely and Assemblyman Richard H. Bagger, a former

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

Democratic Party Set to Select New Chair Next Month

By PAUL J. PEYTON

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader

After eight years of leading the local Democratic Party, The Westfield Leader has learned that Lawrence A. Goldman is preparing to step down as Chairman when the Westfield Democratic Committee reorganizes next month. The leading contender to replace him is former Town Council candidate Kenneth Rotter.

The party is expected to elect its new chairman when it reorganizes on Monday, January 10.

Mr. Goldman has been nominated to serve as Second Vice Chairman of the committee, while former Union County Freeholder and current County Counsel Carol

Cohen has been nominated to continue to serve as First Vice Chairwoman.

While Mr. Goldman declined to comment pending the official election of a new chairman, Mayor Thomas C. Jardim, as well as other members of the local Democratic organization's nominating

committee, confirmed the report of Mr. Goldman's intentions.

Sources have confirmed that Mr. Rotter is expected to gain the appointment at the January meeting. None of those contacted by The Leader, how-

Page 12 Thursday, December 30, 1999 The Westfield Leader and THE TIMES of Scotch Plains – Fanwood A WATCHUNG COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PUBLICATION

CYAN YELLOW MAGENTA BLACK on the town and its future, she added.

Ms. Simon said participation in the Millennium Scrapbook is as simple as displaying the First Night button.

Buttons are available for $10 now through Thursday, December 30, at the following locations: Westfield Y, The Westfield Leader, Baron's Drug Store, The Leader Store, Little Treasures, Lancaster Ltd., Westfield Recreation Department, the Scotch Plains- Fanwood YMCA and King's of Garwood.

On December 31, the cost of individual buttons will go up to $12. Children under three years of age may participate free of charge. The purchase of a First Night button provides general admission to the many eventsthatwill takeplaceacrossWestfield through the night.

First Night, which features nearly 40 events and performers, will begin at 7 p. m. on New Year's Eve and conclude at 1 a. m. The NewYear's Eve extravaganza is designed to encourage community participation in a culturally- diverse celebration of the arts.

First Night's many venues will include musicians, story tellers, clowns, circus performers, dancers, mural painting, safari rides, magic and ventriloquism at various locations around town.

The night will culminate in a surprise finale from 11: 45 p. m. to 1 a. m. at the Westfield Y, where participants are invited to "Celebrate the Dawn of a New Age."

There is no smoking, eating or alcohol permitted at any of the sights where entertainment will be provided. Seating is on a first- come, first- served basis and parking is available near each venue, according to program sponsors.

In addition to the Westfield Y, First Night is being sponsored by The Town of Westfield and The Westfield Foundation

* * * * *

Kim Kinter contributed to this story.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Scrapbook Dems Control of Township Council, Tax Increase, Mr. Donatelli's Death And Election for Seat, and Passage of Elected Mayor Top '99 Stories By FRED ROSSI

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader

SCOTCH PLAINS – The following is a synopsis of news and events effecting the Scotch Plains Township Council over the past year.

JANUARY

The Scotch Plains Democratic Party, which had last held a majority on the Scotch Plains Township Council when Gerald Ford was in the early months of his presidency, reclaimed power on January 1, 1999, with the swearing in of newly- elected Democratic Council members Geri M. Samuel, Tarquin Jay Bromley and Franklin P. Donatelli.

They joined incumbents William F. McClintock and Martin Marks, the governing body's two Republicans.

Mrs. Samuel was chosen to serve as Mayor, with Mr. Bromley selected to be Deputy Mayor. In her maiden address, Mayor Samuel promised to work with the GOP on a number of issues, including open space preservation, more teen recreation programs, resolving the ongoing litigation surrounding the former zoo property and encouraging further downtown development.

She also vowed to press ahead with a proposal to allow township residents to directly elect their mayor. Mr. McClintock challenged the new Democratic majority to "bring new

accomplishments to the town, keep taxes low, keep grants high and keep the balance sheet strong."

The spirit of civility among the two parties didn't make it past the end of the month, as the hard feelings from the previous fall's campaign erupted when Mayor Samuel and Mr. Marks verbally sparred over the true number of township- owned vehicles provided to local government employees. In their 1998 campaign, the Democrats had attacked the thenRepublican majority for allowing the number of official vehicles to grow too high.

The Mayor and Mr. Marks argued over the actual number of such vehicles and the source of the Democrats' 1998 campaign figures.

FEBRUARY

The Township Council began to examine ways to expand the availability of parking in the lot next to the Municipal Building on Park Avenue.

Township engineers presented plans for a revamped lot that would maximize parking by restriping the existing lot and paving and striping the area around the firehouse. Also discussed was selling the so- called "hedge property" on Park Avenue and constructing a two- story commercial building.

The council questioned how much tax revenue such a building would

generate and also whether a building on that site would have a further negative impact on the downtown parking situation.

The council also received a $200,000 state grant to be used for parking lot improvements behind the stores on East Second Street.

Meanwhile, meetings on the 1999 municipal budget began, with Mayor Samuel saying that no real issues of contention had yet arisen.

MARCH

The council began several months of periodic discussions with residents of the Golf Street- Wood Road neighborhood about the flock of thousands of birds that have roosted there every summer for the past two decades. A number of homeowners complained about the noise caused by the birds and the sanitary issues raised by their presence.

During the summer of 1998, the township had attempted to disperse the flock with pyrotechnics, with limited success. Mayor Samuel said she hoped a plan would be developed in time for the birds' arrival in early July.

Councilmen McClintock and Marks presented a nine- point "Recreation Plan for the 21st Century" that envisioned five new ballfields, new playground equipment, improvements tothe ScotchHillsCountryClub, development of the former zoo prop erty and acquisition of new land.

Later in the month, the 1999 municipal budget was introduced, sparking a fresh round of partisan squabbling. The$16.7 millionspendingplan,which was $1.02 million more than the 1998 budget, included a six- point increase in local property taxes, which translated into an additional $69 on the average assessed value of $116,000. Council Republicans attacked the tax

proposal, terming it the biggest tax increase in Scotch Plains in a decade.

The GOP said they favored using what they called a "record" $3.05 million surplus to offset the need for any tax hike.

Mr. Marks upbraided the Democrats for their 1998 campaign statements that had criticized the Republicans for raising taxes during the 1990s.

Mayor Samuel and Mr. Marks ar gued about whether it was proper to

"rehash" the 1998 campaign. When Mr. Marks and Mr. McClintock then tried to speak about the proposed tax increase, the Mayor cut them off and reminded them that the public hearing on the matter was set for late April.

APRIL

When Mayor Samuel named a bipartisan committee to examine the processes and questions involved in directly electing the mayor, one of the panel's members was her husband, Richard Samuel. This drew criticism from Councilman Marks, who called the appointment "a conflict of interest." Mr. Marks said he didn't "have a problem with [Mr. Samuel's] political affiliation, but with his marital affiliation."

Mr. Marks felt the recommendations of a panel including the Mayor's husband "could have a direct impact on [Mrs. Samuel's] tenure as Mayor."

Township Attorney Andrew M. Baron said the Mayor had the right to appoint anyone she wished.

This most recent public discord among council members led Township Democratic Chairman Walter Boright to say that "the tenor of the comments [among members of the council] are

Dean Oil Controversy, GOP Sweep in General Election, Downtown Progress Make Headlines in Fanwood During Final Year of the 20th Century By SUZETTE F. STALKER

Specially Written for The Westfield Leader

FANWOOD – The following is a review of the people, issues and events which impacted the Borough of Fanwood during the year 1999.

JANUARY

The final year of this century opened in Fanwood with the swearing in of Democratic Councilwomen Karen M. Schurtz and Katherine Mitchell during the annual reorganization meeting of the Mayor and Borough Council on January 1.

Ms. Mitchell and Mrs. Schurtz had been elected the previous November to their first and second terms, respectively, after fendingoffchallengesfrom Republican candidates Wilfred P. Coronato and David B. Trumpp.

In her traditional address to the community the first day of the year, Mayor Maryanne S. Connelly anticipated that 1999 would be marked by "challenges as well as celebrations and accomplishments," as Fanwood continued to make the transition from one era to the next.

She cited ongoing preparations to bring the community into the year

PUBLIC PROTEST… A controversial application by a development partnership to erect a two- story apartment complex on the Dean Oil property brought Fanwood residents out in full force to oppose the project. The Planning Board's first scheduled hearing of the appeal was postponed in February because the size of the crowd, pictured above, exceeded the permitted capacity of the meeting room. The petition, presented during a series of hearings over the summer, was ultimately denied by the board in September.

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Suzette F. Staker for The Westfield Leader

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Administrator Places Set to Discard

Bare Christmas Trees

WESTFIELD - When the holidays are over and the last ornament is packed away for the season, there is also just the right place for your real Christmas tree.

The Westfield Department of Public Works will be accepting

trees for recycling only at Tamaques Park, off of Lamberts Mill Road. There will be no curbside pick- up.

drop- off place for live, bare trees is at the lower parking lot of

park near the shuffleboard and picnicarea, saidKennethB.Marsh, Director ofWestfieldPublicWorks. Mr. Marsh asks that trees not be bagged and be free of tinsel and garland.

Public Works employees will transport the trees to the recycling center, which is now closed for the season, for recycling.

In Mountainside, curbside pickup of bare Christmas trees will be Wednesday, January 19. If there is inclement weather on January 19, the pick- up will be postponed until Wednesday, January 26.

Tom Burgess, an administrative assistant with the Mountainside Public Works Department, said there will be a one- time pick- up only. Mrs. Vreeland has witnessed many

other changes in Westfield over the years, pointing out that she has seen more changes in the last couple of years than ever before.

"The population has grown dously," she said. The Westfield High School ate discussed the evolution of the high school itself, from its days on Elm Street to its current site on Dorian Road.

Mrs. Vreelandalsoreminiscedabout a time when there were swans in the water in Mindowaskin Park and when people ice skated there in the winter.

She also noted that "there is a lot more recreation in town than there used to be."

At its December 21 meeting, the WestfieldTown Council passed a lution honoring Mrs. Vreeland.

And, for those who have worked with her throughout the years, Mrs. Vreeland will be missed.

Former Mayor Boothe said: "Mrs. Vreeland did a great job. Joy was a person who did her job very well and very effectively."

Former Town Attorney Charles H. Brandt said, "She is a very personable person and dealt well with the lic." Mr. Brandt said he enjoyed work

ing with her for 20 some years. TownAttorneyWilliam S. Jeremiah, 2nd, said, "It was a pleasure (working with Mrs. Vreeland). She will be missed."

As for Mrs.Vreeland's future plans, she will stay in Westfield upon her retirement and work on her Westfield Avenue home, making some tural changes that she never had time

to do before.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Vreeland Retirement

Westfield mayor. "By(last night)thecommitteeshould have a pretty good idea of where it is going," the Mayor further revealed in terms of the selection process.

The finalists all have municipal ministrative experience. They came from an initial field of 25 job cants who were narrowed to 10 dates. The first round of interviews was

conducted on Saturdays, December 4 18. Edward A. Gottko, administrator since 1993, is retiring this month from municipal government after 29 years, the last 20 with the town.

Local Municipalities Plan Reorganizational Meetings

Local municipalities have set the dates and times of their yearly govern reorganization meetings.

In Westfield, the Town Council will hold its swearing- in ceremony this Sunday, January 2, at 2 p. m. in the Town Council Chambers for four re cently reelected Republican council members, Gregory S. McDermott, Matthew P. Albano, Neil F. Sullivan, Jr. and Janis Fried Weinstein, repre sentingthe FirstthroughFourthWards, respectively. The council's reorgani zation meeting will take place Tues day, January 4, at 8 p. m.

The Mountainside Borough Coun cil will hold its reorganization meeting

adon Tuesday, January 4, at 8 p. m. in

Borough Hall, off of Route 22. Mayor appliRobert

Viglianti will be sworn into a candifourth

termas Mayor.PaulN.Mirabelli and Keith C. Turner will take the oath for new terms on the council.

In Scotch Plains, the reorganization meeting in which Martin Marks will be sworninasScotch PlainsMayorwillbe held Sunday, January 2, at 1 p. m.

The reorganization meeting will be held at Scotch Plains Municipal Hall

on Park Avenue. In Fanwood, Republican Louis C. Jung will be sworn into his first term as Mayor during the governing body's reorganization meeting, beginning at noon on Saturday, Jaunary 1 in the Fanwood Council Chambers.

Also being sworn in Saturday are Republican Councilman Stuart S. Kline, for a second term, and Republi can Thomas P. Ryan, Jr., who will begin his freshman term on the gov erning body.

Union County Freeholders' reorganizational meeting will take place this Sunday, January 2, in the Union County Courthouse Chambers of Assignment Judge Edward W. Beglin, Jr. Freeholder Daniel P. Sullivan will be sworn in as Chairman and Freeholder Alexander Mirabelli will be named Vice Chairman. Free holders Nicholas P. Scutari and Linda d. Stender will be sworn into new terms along with Freeholder- elect Angel Estrada and Surrogate- Elect James S. LaCorte.

2000, including efforts to enhance the downtown, long- range planning, com munication and volunteerism, among the borough's focal points for the year occupied the Sun Tavern lot before closing the doors of the business more than five years ago, had been handed a 30- day suspension on serving alcohol after being found guilty by local offi cials of having violated their liquor license.

Mr. Duda, who inherited the penalty when he purchased the license for his new establishment, would have been prohibited from serving alcohol durChristmas ing the first month the Sun Tavern was in operation. Fearing the suspension would hurt his business, he petitioned the governing body for it to be reA pealed. Officials ultimately decided to upthe hold the suspension, but made it effec tive from December 15, 1998 through January 15, 1999, to avoid having a negative impact on the debut of Mr. Duda's new restaurant. The Sun Tav ern opened its doors in March. Fanwood Chemical, Inc. was ored as a "Company of theYear" by the

Union County Chamber of Commerce. Its President, V. M. (Jim) DeLisi, a resident of Scotch Plains, served on the Chamber's Board of Directors and itsExecutive Committeefornineyears.

The company, which deals with chemicals used to make color, does business both in the United States and abroad and is very active in trade policy andregulations pertainingtothechemimental cal industry.

Closing out the month was the re naming of the Carriage House on Watson Road as the Patricia M. Kuran

tremenCultural Arts Center on January 24.

The Victorian- era landmark now bears graduthe name of Fanwood's first woman

Mayor, a champion of the arts who was also instrumental in preserving the Carriage House from being razed years ago.

Family members, friends, and time colleagues shared fond memories of Mrs. Kuran during the Carriage House rededication, which also lighted efforts to broaden cultural arts

programs within the community. Mrs. Kuran died on November 19, 1996.

Finally, theFanwoodPlanningBoard approved an amended site plan suband mitted by Ernest Fantini for a subdivi resosion onFifth Street.Althoughtheboard

endorsed the subdivision in 1987, the land was not developed for about a decade.

Mr. Fantini, who was granted mission to build a house on one of the two lots in 1997, had been asked by the board to revise his site plan for the second lot. Several conditions were attached to the approval, however, marily dealing with street access and

storm water control.

pubFEBRUARY

Members of the Scotch Plains Fanwood High School DECA pre sented the results of a survey the ter conducted in December among all

2,700 households in Fanwood to mine public opinion about cation between local government and residents, as well as the state of the downtown. The survey project won a first place award at the state DECA struccompetition held later in the month.

An appeal was made to the Borough Council byAttilio (Art) Badala, former

President and current Tour Director of the Fanwood Senior Citizens Club, to support expansion of the building at LaGrande Park by 1,500 square feet. The projected cost of the work was $250,000.

Enlarging the building, he said, would make it suitable for meetings of the Senior Citizens Club, which for 15 years has been convening atAll Saints' Episcopal Church in Scotch Plains. According to the proposal, the facility would also be available for use by

other members of the community. The governing body ultimately in cluded $150,000 in its 1999 municipal budget for the work, opting to apply for the remaining $100,000 through Union County's renewed Project Pocket Park Program. It was undeter mined at the time, however, whether the LaGrande Park building or another facility would be renovated.

Officials unveiled a five- year plan entitled "A Future for Fanwood," call ing for improvements to the borough's

Surfing the Web to Find The Latest Scoop? www. goleader. com!

DETOURED... Drivers were forced to make detours on Route 22 in Scotch Plains after the area became severely waterlogged during Tropical Storm Floyd in midBut September. The area was struck with wind, major flooding and power outages.

William A. Burke for The Westfield Leader

ever, would make any official comment in this regard until the election is actually held.

Calling the party chairman post a "thankless job," Mayor Jardim said he honbelieves the local Democratic Com

mittee needs to select a leader who possesses goodorganizationalandlead ership skills, "someone who can keep people" interested in the party and municipal government.

The committee screens candidates for mayor and the council and works in cooperation with the national, state and county Democratic organizations in promoting the candidacies of Demo cratic nominees.

Mayor Jardim said Mr. Goldman "has done a wonderful job" and "has served (the party) well."

Mr. Goldman has been active in local politics since moving to Westfield in 1983. Under his leadership, the Demo cratic Party has grown from relative obscurity in Westfield to a position of prominence.

Mr. Goldman is generally known by those who have worked with him

onefor his patient and mature leadership,

along with a dose of tenacity. An active member of the committee since

spot1983, he has been Chairman since

1991 and prior to that served as First Vice Chairman. He ran unsuccess fully for Town Council from the Sec ond Ward in 1985.

He and his wife, Cindy, are resi dents of Nancy Way. They have two children.

Mr. Rotter, a resident of Westfield since 1995, was a member of Larry Lerner's unsuccessful campaign for

perCongress in 1996. Prior to running

for council, he was known for re cruiting young Democrats into the party.

He was raised and educated in Sussex priCounty andis agraduateofGeorgetown

Law School inWashington, D. C.While in Washington, he met and became friends with Mayor Jardim, who was gaining advanced degrees at American University there. chapMr. Rotter serves on the town's

Insurance Advisory Board and has deterbeen active with the Westfield

communiRaritan Valley Line Commuter Com

mission. MayorJardim andMr.Goldmanwere part of a major Democratic victory in 1996, when the party captured the mayor's office for the first time in 85 years and picked up two council seats in the process.

Since then, the party nearly wrested control of the governing body away from the Republicans in the 1997 and 1999 Town Council elections. The Democrats, who have never controlled the governing body, currently hold three seats in addition to the mayor's office.

The Republicans maintained their 5- 3 edge on the council when the GOP swept this year's election in a hotly contested campaign.

Despite the unofficial report of Mr. Rotter's nomination for party chair man, Mayor Jardim said the nominat ing process remains open for the new

officer slate. The Mayor would only say that Mr. Rotter is an "active mem ber" of the Democratic Committee.

According to information obtained by The Leader, any member of the committee is free to nominate candi dates for the posts of Chairman and Vice Chairman. While only commit tee members may participate in the nominating and voting process, an individual does not have to be a com mittee member in order to serve as chairman or vice chairman. The com mittee includes two representatives, one male and one female, from each of the town's 25 voting districts.

Mr. Rotter was narrowly defeated for the Third Ward seat in 1997 by incumbent Councilman Neil F. Sullivan, Jr. Mr. Rotter served as campaign manager for Mayor Jardim in 1998 before he was dismissed af ter gaining notoriety for mastermind ing the controversial push- pull tele phone campaign survey Republicans said was aimed at discrediting their 1998 mayoral nominee, Gail S. Vernick.

Following the uproar, the poll was quickly ended. Despite the survey, Mr. Jardim went on to win reelection, sweeping all of the town's voting dis tricts.

In terms of the selection of the new chairman,theDemocraticCommittee's nominating panel includes Third Ward Councilman John J. Walsh, First Ward Councilman Carl A. Salisbury, Mayor Jardim and Ms. Cohen. The committee reportedly met over three months be fore coming up with officer nomina tions. Mr. Goldman first made his in tentions known privately to the party in June, according to information sup plied to The Leader.

Mr. Walsh noted that when the com mittee meets, "We are going to make the best choice" on the leadership posts of the party.

Ms. Cohen chaired the nominating committee.

She said the person who takes over the reigns of the Democratic Commit tee should be someone who can "in fuse energy into the party."

The position is voluntary in nature and requires many hours of a person's time, Ms. Cohen said. Among the du ties of the chairman, she added, is the never- ending task of "replenishing the ranks" of the party.

She described Mr. Goldman as a "consensus builder" and a "very hon est, straightforwardandsincere"leader.

Mayor Jardim noted that the suc cessful candidate would be "someone who would grow into the job."

Although not commenting directly on the reported slate of party officers, Ms. Cohen stated that if Mr. Rotter was, in fact, the nominating committee's choice, "obviously I sup port that nomination."

Mr. Walsh commented that Mr. Goldman, "has done a spectacular job and has brought two- party government to Westfield and we are sorry he is leaving."

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Democratic Committee to Elect New Party Chairman in Jan.

WESTFIELD POLICE BLOTTER

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21

· Christopher Horn, 18, and Donald Patterson, 19, both of Scotch Plains, were charged with shoplifting $99 worth of toys from an East Broad Street store. Both were released on their own recognizance.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22

· An18- year- oldWestfieldHighSchool student reported that $123 in cash was stolen from her wallet, which she had left in her purse in a locker in the girls' gymna sium area.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24

· Theodore Goss, 20, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol on Forest Avenue. He was released to the custody of a responsible person, according to police.

· A burglary was reported at a Springfield Avenue business in which $10 in change was taken. Entry was apparently gained by someone breaking a window on the building.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 25

· A Motorola M70 cellular telephone valued at approximately $70 was reported stolen from a motor vehicle on Pine Grove Avenue.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 27

· A physician reported that a light fix425 ture was knocked over on his office prop erty on Westfield Avenue.

CYAN YELLOW MAGENTA BLACK