‘Happy to be here’: Wayne mayor, a cancer survivor, sworn in to fourth term – NorthJersey.com

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WAYNE Mayor Christopher Vergano startedanotherterm Saturday, telling guests at the municipal reorganization that he felt happy to be reelected and lucky to be alive.

The long-reigning mayor, who had a bone marrowtransplant in June, was sworn in with his wife, Deneen,andchildren by his side. Butfirst, he shareda moment with the judge who administered his oath of office.

"Judge Weiss and I have done this on multiple occasions," Vergano said, hinting at their longevity.

Yes, the magistrate agreed, "But with different-color hair."

Such was the positivevibeas the governing bodykicked off the new year. The township attorney andauditor were reappointedwithout incident, andCouncilman Franco Mazzei, of the 3rd Ward, was selected unanimously to be Township Council president.

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"Most of you know that I had a very long summer," the mayor said after taking the oath. "But I'm here today, and I'm happy to be here today."

Vergano, 62, vice president of human resources and sales for Hishi Plastics U.S.A. Inc. in Lincoln Park, served on the Board of Educationand council before becoming mayor in 2008. He took over for Scott Rumana, who resigned to assume a positionin the state General Assembly.

He was diagnosed with multiple myeloma a cancer that attacks plasma cells in August 2019. His surgical procedure was followed by extended stays at Hackensack University Medical Center.

Vergano's cancer was in remission by November, when he garnered more than 70% of the vote in a sound defeat of Arlene Sullivan, a Democrat.

"Battling what I did made me even stronger than I was before," the Republican mayor said at the reorganization meeting.

Vergano thanked all of his supporters, promising that he and his administration "will not let you down."

"To the 5,576 people who chose not to vote for me," the mayorsaid, "we'll work harder to take care of you and the people of Wayne."

Also taking oaths Saturday were council members Jill Sasso and David Varano, each returning for asecond term, and Councilman Jason DeStefano, embarking on his first.

DeStefano, 34, is the youngest member of the governing body 53 years the junior of the man he was elected to replace. Former Councilman Joseph Schweighardt stepped down at the end of the year after five terms and a total of 3 decades ofpublic service.

"Joe certainly leftbig shoes for me to fill," DeStefano said, "but I look forward to the challenge of filling them."

Philip DeVencentisis a local reporter forNorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community,please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email:devencentis@northjersey.com

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'Happy to be here': Wayne mayor, a cancer survivor, sworn in to fourth term - NorthJersey.com