WEST MILFORD — Christopher Garcia has been chosen by the West Milford Democratic County Committee as the Democrat’s candidate for mayor.
CarlLa Horton and Kathleen Caren, municipal co-leaders for the party, announced that Garcia was recently vetted by the committee and was a unanimous choice for November’s special election for interim mayor to replace Bettina Bieri.
“I’ve worked with and known Chris Garcia for quite awhile and I have long admired his genuineness while being a firm and resolute leader," Caren said. "Chris’ character and integrity are impeccable, and he is well-prepared to lead our community as Mayor.”
A 16-year resident of Upper Greenwood Lake, Garcia is a current member of the Planning Board, having previously served as Chairman and Vice-Chairman of that body.
In addition, Garcia has been a long-time volunteer coaching youth sports and has served on the Township’s Recreation Advisory Committee.
A graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, in Troy, N.Y., Garcia earned a B.S. in Management and Psychology, played quarterback on the football team, was a student senator and was Vice-President of his graduating class.
Garcia is employed as a Senior Account Executive for an internet marketing and software development firm in Ridgewood, providing web and software expertise to businesses.
He is also a licensed Realtor in West Milford.
“As a father of three children, I am extremely mindful of the challenges families are faced with in our community and I have a tremendous desire to achieve the best quality of life for our residents," Garcia said. "It’s from this perspective that I’ve long devoted myself to bettering my community however I may be able to contribute. I do feel my education and business experience uniquely qualify me to serve as the best advocate for our youth, seniors, working-class families and businesses of West Milford.”
According to Horton, “West Milford has suffered a loss with the resignation of Bettina Bieri as our Mayor, but Chris Garcia is the right leader to replace her. Like Mayor Bieri, he has the ability and temperament to work with an all-Republican Council while offering balance to the governing body." "Chris has proven his ability to be fair and impartial and will reach across the aisle to be sure to get things done in a dignified and professional manner. It’s important all voters recognize the value of checks and balances in our government and Chris is the right candidate to look out for the taxpayers of our town.”