Voices in the Race: Interviews With Council Candidates
Ringwood 360 was created to keep our community connected and informed, and remains open to hearing from all who wish to participate. Ahead of the upcoming election, all Town Council candidates were invited to respond to a set of questions about Ringwood: its priorities, challenges, and hopes for the future. The Democratic candidates: Travan, Dittemer, and Savastano have replied, and their answers are shared below, unedited.
(Ringwood 360 is committed to being a bipartisan source of information for the community. Several attempts were made to contact the Ringwood GOP to answer the identical set of questions, but as of publication, no response had been received. This article is not sponsored or paid for by any candidate or political party.)
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Why Ringwood, Why Now? What motivated you to run for council this year, and how do you see yourself contributing to the future of Ringwood?
Ryan: First off, we want to thank you, Rebecca, for giving us the opportunity to answer these questions. It’s so important for constituents to hear directly from their local leaders in an unbiased forum. We appreciate your work to create a space to achieve that.
Now to answer your question: I had long checked out of local politics. It always felt like nothing ever really changed in town. But when Stop & Shop suddenly closed last year, it was a rude awakening. It made me realize that Ringwood was at risk of becoming one of those forgotten towns, with boarded-up storefronts and little left to offer.
I couldn’t just stand by and watch as it felt like Ringwood I love was beginning to slip away. So, I made the decision to step up and run for Council because I believe we can build a better future for our town. I was impressed by the momentum that Mark and Erika had built during the last election and I felt the moment to get involved was now - since important decisions about the future of our town are being made with very little input from residents.
The truth is, Ringwood has so much potential. We have a strong community, incredible people, and plenty of great ideas. What we need is the right leadership to bring those strengths together and move the town forward.
Property taxes remain a concern for many families and seniors. The Borough Council is responsible for adopting Ringwood’s municipal budget, which determines the town’s portion of our property taxes. If you had to make tough choices, how would you balance the budget while keeping key services like emergency response, road maintenance, and community programs intact? What specific steps would you take to keep taxes manageable while ensuring residents continue to receive the services they count on?
Mark: Ringwood has become unaffordable for many homeowners, including seniors and people trying to buy their first home. The average homeowner is paying $1,260 more in property taxes this year than they were 4 years ago. On top of that, families are already stretched thin by rising grocery prices, gas costs, and even fees for their kids’ sports. We are now the third highest-taxed town in Passaic County—and yet we don’t have the services to show for it.
Last year, the Council spent over $1 million from its rainy-day fund to buy the Pagano property next to Fieldstone Plaza—even though their own lawyer had already deemed the land “not fit for development.”
To this day, there is no clear plan for how the property will be used or how it will benefit residents. Worse, by taking that property off the tax rolls, the Borough eliminated a source of revenue and turned it into an ongoing expense. They did it under the gun and they refused to seek Open Space or Green Acres grants—choosing instead to stick taxpayers with the full bill.
The consequences are already being felt. The municipal budget adopted just a few months ago required deep cuts to essential services—including the library, recreation programs, the Department of Public Works, and even the police department. Had the rainy-day fund not been drained on an unplanned purchase, it could have helped cushion the blow to the budget and protected vital services for residents.
Fieldstone Plaza - The Azarian Group recently announced major renovations for Fieldstone Plaza, including exterior upgrades, a clock tower, and new green space. Some residents are hopeful, while others are skeptical about the timing and the impact. What role do you believe the council should play in encouraging transparency, ensuring accountability, and making sure that any changes reflect the needs of the community?
Ryan here: Mark, Erika, and I welcome the recent announcement of renovations at Fieldstone Plaza. Any effort to address long-standing issues at the shopping center and improve the experience for residents is a step in the right direction. However, the announcement was filled with the same vague and lackluster promises the Azarian Group has been making for years.
We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to redevelop Fieldstone in a way that meets the needs of residents today—and those 30 years from now. We need to get this right, because we only get one shot. That means listening closely to residents and incorporating their feedback into the vision for Fieldstone, while also engaging with the Azarian Group to understand their goals and align them with what Ringwood truly needs. At the end of the day, though, a successful redevelopment will require more than a fresh coat of paint and a clocktower.
There have also been discussions about the Borough entering into a PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) agreement with the Azarian Group. This would mean the town effectively subsidizing the redevelopment by forgoing tax revenue on the property. If we, as Ringwood residents, are making that kind of financial investment, we must ensure we get a real return. A superficial renovation is not enough—we need meaningful, long-term improvements that set our town up for success.
If elected, Mark, Erika, and I are committed to bringing transparency and accountability to every step of this process. Residents have been kept in the dark for far too long about what is happening with Fieldstone—the most visible economic symbol in Ringwood. That stops now. We will make sure you are informed, included, and heard.
Environment and Superfund - Ringwood is known for its natural beauty, but we also face challenges with land use, environmental protection, and Superfund site cleanups. The EPA is the primary communicator on Superfund matters, but residents often feel overwhelmed by the amount of information. Given the confusion about recent conflicting reports on contamination levels, what responsibility do you believe the borough has in helping residents find clarity and confidence in these updates?
Erika: This is a great question, and it really gets at the heart of why I’m running. Let’s be honest: most people don’t spend much time thinking about the Superfund Site. But the truth is, it sits in a residential community, and all of our water is connected. When I learned that the Council, including Councilman Noonan currently seeking reelection, chose the cheaper option of capping the site rather than following the EPA’s preferred method of removing the contaminants, I knew it was a serious mistake. It was never a good idea, and sadly, it doesn’t surprise me to see the problems we’re facing now.
We need to take a hard look at the future of the surrounding lots. Right now, we’re building a recycling center on top of the capped site — and if that cap were ever compromised, we might not even know. That feels like a “let’s hide it and hope for the best” approach. Meanwhile, across the street, the old recycling center is being taken offline, and there’s still no clear plan for that property. This has never been a priority for the current administration.
And here’s something many residents don’t realize: the Borough’s new attorney, Mark Semeraro, was actually the one hired years ago to sue Ringwood residents over this issue. That history matters, because it shows how the current Council continues to be on the wrong side of this issue.
Infrastructure and Roads - Residents often raise concerns about road conditions, traffic safety, and aging infrastructure. What specific steps would you support to improve these areas?
Ryan: Here in Ringwood, our Department of Public Works (DPW) maintains nearly 75 miles of road surface and their responsibilities are wide-ranging—pothole repairs, crack sealing, storm sewer and catch basin upkeep, snow plowing, etc. They work tirelessly to keep up, but we believe there are important steps we can take to further improve conditions for residents such as establishing a more proactive schedule for road resurfacing and crack sealing. Communication is key. Residents should feel confident that reporting issues is simple and effective. Tools like the “Report a Problem” form and the DPW hotline at 973-475-7133 are valuable, but they need to be more visible and accessible. By promoting them more clearly on the town’s website and social media, we can ensure residents know how to get help quickly when they see a problem.
As for safety, we’re committed to working with our neighbors in Oakland and with Passaic County to explore every option for making Skyline Drive safer. There have already been too many accidents—some of them fatal—and action is long overdue. Every time one of those dreaded alerts comes through, our hearts sink. If elected, we will push for meaningful solutions from day one.
The current Council has made some progress, including advocating for radar speed signs and other traffic-calming measures. We give credit where it’s due, and these efforts have made a difference. But more must be done. Mark, Erika, and I will work closely with both our Police Department and DPW to identify problem areas—whether it’s high-speed cut-throughs or dangerous intersections—and implement smart solutions. That could mean better signage, safer crosswalks, or speed-reduction strategies tailored to each location.
Just the other day, a resident on Cupsaw Avenue told us how concerned she was about speeding on her road. When she called for increased police presence, the department responded quickly and effectively. That shows collaboration is working—but it also highlights a challenge: two police officers are set to retire, with no plan to replace them. If we want our police to continue protecting residents and addressing traffic safety, they need the staffing, tools, and resources to succeed. We are committed to making sure that happens.
New Crosswalk on Skyline - The town is introducing a new crosswalk on Skyline. While many residents are excited, others are concerned it could become an accident risk without stronger safety measures, such as stop signals. What steps do you believe the town should take to ensure the crosswalk is safe and effective for both pedestrians and drivers?
Erika: We fully support creating a safe, designated crosswalk on Skyline Drive—it’s a busy road, and this improvement is long overdue, especially for those of us with teenagers. But the real issue is that the town doesn’t seem to have a clear vision, or at least isn’t sharing one with residents. For example, property has been purchased nearby with no explanation of future plans. If more development is coming, how will it impact traffic? These decisions shouldn’t be made in isolation—we need to look at the bigger picture.
Right now, it’s already difficult to safely exit places like the CVS shopping center, Dunkin’, and Fieldstone. Adding a crosswalk without addressing those challenges could make things worse. What we really need is a comprehensive traffic study to guide coordinated improvements that enhance safety for both drivers and pedestrians.
A safe crossing on Skyline Drive is essential, but it must be part of a broader plan for how Ringwood manages growth, traffic, and public safety. Without that shared vision, we risk piecemeal fixes instead of lasting solutions.
Community and Services - How can the town better support families, and new businesses, and while still preserving Ringwood’s small-town character?
Erika: When I moved here in 2013, I immediately noticed the need for more free and affordable events for families with young children. That’s why I’m passionate about building a stronger, more connected community—one where every family feels welcome and engaged.
To support families, we should ensure that our library—the heart of our community—remains fully funded. We can also prioritize maintaining safe, well-kept parks and green spaces, which are essential places for children to play and for families to connect. For businesses, I’ve personally heard frustrations from local owners about the excessive red tape and costly permitting process. The town can make a real difference by streamlining bureaucratic steps like licensing and permits.
Finally, we need to do a better job showcasing our local businesses to visitors who already come to Ringwood for our incredible parks and open spaces. Promoting our small businesses alongside our natural assets would help strengthen the local economy while preserving the small-town character we all value. For too long, signage and overgrown trees prevented people from seeing the wonderful restaurants and shops in Fieldstone.
Transparency and Communication - How will you keep residents informed and engaged in council decisions? Do you support any new, more modern ways of sharing information with the community?
Erika: Residents deserve to feel connected to their town government, not left guessing. Council meetings and minutes are important, but they’re not enough on their own. I support expanding how we share information — clearer updates on the town website, regular emails, and better use of social media. Just as important, I believe in two-way communication. I’d like to hold community forums, Q&A sessions, and informal “coffee with a councilmember” gatherings so residents can ask questions directly. As candidates, we have held one “ask us anything on Facebook” and we plan to hold more. Transparency builds trust, and trust only comes when people know they’re being heard.
Public Safety and Emergency Services Ringwood relies heavily on our volunteer fire and ambulance services, as well as community donations. What ideas do you have for supporting and sustaining these vital services?
Mark: Ringwood’s volunteer fire and ambulance services are at the heart of keeping our community safe, and we can’t take them for granted. These men and women give countless hours to protect us, and they deserve strong support from the town.
If elected, I would make it a priority to meet directly with each department — our fire companies, ambulance corps, and police — to hear their specific needs firsthand. Every group has different challenges, and the best way to understand them is to listen. From there, the council can look for practical solutions together, whether that’s equipment upgrades, training opportunities, recruitment efforts, or facility improvements.
I also believe we need to think creatively about funding, from pursuing grants to ensuring our town budget reflects how essential these services are. Just as important, we should work to sustain the volunteer model by encouraging more residents to get involved, celebrating those who serve, and showing younger generations how vital these roles are to Ringwood’s identity.
Supporting our emergency services isn’t just about dollars and cents; it’s about building strong relationships and making sure the people who keep us safe know the town has their back.
Schools and Education - Although the council does not oversee the Board of Education, last year’s teacher layoffs raised deep concerns for many families in Ringwood. How do you see the role of the council in supporting our schools, and what would you do to strengthen the relationship between the town and the school district?
Mark: While the council doesn’t oversee the Board of Education, our schools are at the center of our community, and families expect us to work together. I believe the Town Council should set up a standing Education Committee that meets regularly with a similar committee from the Board of Education. This would create an ongoing forum for communication, problem-solving, and coordination — not just during times of crisis, but year-round.
I also think there are creative ways for the town to support our schools without crossing into direct oversight. For example, the district currently pays discounted rates for services like tree trimming on school property. Why not cover those costs entirely so the schools don’t have to choose between maintaining safe grounds and funding classrooms? Recently, the town authorized roughly $50,000 to assist Lakeland with their bussing situation and spent $1 million on property it cannot develop. Clearly, when the will is there, resources can be found. Directly funding education isn’t within the Council’s role, but providing targeted support for shared services and community needs is both appropriate and beneficial.
At the end of the day, strong schools mean a stronger town, and I want to help build that bridge between the Council and the district.
Bridging Divides - What is one thing you wish residents on the other side of the political aisle understood about your perspective or approach that they might not?
Erika: I wish people understood that, at the local level, we’re not Republicans or Democrats—we’re friends and neighbors. What matters is that things actually get done for the people of Ringwood. The divisiveness we see nationally doesn’t serve our community- in fact it’s held us back. Here, we should be working side by side to solve problems, preserve what makes Ringwood special, and build a future we can all be proud of—together.
Getting to Know You - Do you have a favorite Ringwood trail, park, or hidden gem you’d recommend? What local event or tradition do you look forward to most each year?
Ryan: I have lived in Ringwood my entire life, and after spending so much time here, I have too many favorite places in town to count. But if I was forced to pick one, I would have to say Wyanokie High Point in Norvin Greene State Forest (I know the summit isn’t technically in Ringwood, but the trailhead is!). My favorite hike entirely within Ringwood would have to be the section of Windbeam, Bear, and Board Mountains on the Stonetown Circular Trail.
Erika: Floating on Erskine Lake! Also, I love garage sale weekend 🙂
Mark: My whole family loves participating in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. It’s so much fun seeing the community come together. My two youngest rode with us this year and had a blast.
Final Thoughts - What is one thing you hope to accomplish during your term that would make a lasting difference for Ringwood residents?
Overall, our collective focus is on Fieldstone and pushing for Skyline Drive redevelopment that truly reflects the needs and priorities of Ringwood residents. That said, we’ve spent a lot of time on serious issues—so let’s shift gears for a moment and talk about our passion projects: Mark: I’m very passionate about the fields here in Ringwood. As a parent of three kids who all play sports, I’ve been on every field in town more times than I can count. When I look at what nearby towns like Wanaque have at Back Beach—full recreation facilities, real bathrooms, and family-friendly amenities—I can’t help but ask why Ringwood doesn’t have something similar. Our Recreation Department works incredibly hard, but they’re underfunded. I want to find creative solutions, such as grant funding or smarter budgeting, to give them the resources they need and bring our fields up to the standard our kids deserve.
Erika: My passion project would definitely be making sure the library is properly funded so that existing programming can continue and maybe even expand. I love volunteering at the library and seeing how it is the hub of our community and so important to all of our children.
Ryan: One project that I would be thrilled to advocate for, if elected, is the Highlands Rail Trail. This is a project that the county has been planning for and working on for several years to redevelop the abandoned New York & Greenwood Lake Railway right-of-way along the shore of the reservoir. This rail trail will be a great recreation opportunity for Ringwood residents and, more importantly, serve as an economic driver for the town. Ringwood could become a marquee recreation destination, with all the economic benefits that come along with that.
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