Good luck comes in threes. Early this month, Teaneck joined Englewood and Lakewood as the third New Jersey city to elect an Orthodox Jewish mayor. A councilman for nine years, Elie Katz was appointed by Teaneck’s city council in a 6-1 secret ballot vote. (The council itself was elected by the residents of Teaneck in May.)
Teaneck law requires that the swearing in ceremony be held on July 1 – which fell on Shabbos this year. In respect for his observance and that of three other Orthodox council members, the ceremony was postponed to 10:00 p.m. The Jewish Press chatted with the new mayor of Teaneck’s 39,620 residents (of which 25 percent are Jewish and 13 percent are Orthodox).
Jewish Press: What is your Jewish upbringing?
I was born and raised in Teaneck. I went to Yavneh Academy, Torah Academy of Teaneck, and then Touro College. I spent a year in Israel at Neve Tzion.
Why did you enter politics?
Because I wanted to give back to my community.
You were quite young when you became involved with politics.
I was the youngest councilman ever in Teaneck at 23, I was the youngest deputy mayor at 27, and now I’m the youngest mayor at 31. My political career started when the mayor at the time, Paul Ostrow, approached me and said there’s an open council seat and he’d like me to run.
Why did he ask you?
I was an active member of the community. I was a member of the Teaneck volunteer ambulance corps, the Teaneck fire department, the Teaneck police department crime stoppers, and the community relations advisory board.
What are your goals for the next two years?
Number one, to bring in revenue to the town of Teaneck to help relieve the tax burden of all taxpayers. Second, to make government agencies easier and more user-friendly to the residents and employees.
Are there problems with non-Jews or non-religious Jews in Teaneck?
There are always some concerns but, overall, the council works for the entire community. Listen, you know the world, I don’t have to tell you everyone’s biases.
You are the third Orthodox mayor in New Jersey. What do you think of this trend?
We don’t get positions because of our religion; we get them because of our experience, ability and skills. Our religion is just another component of our lives. We don’t only represent the Orthodox community. We represent the entire community.
Was your Orthodoxy an issue during the campaign for the council?
Yes. There was a group that tried to attack the Orthodox members who were running and make our religion an issue. They sent out an e-mail calling us bigots. I could go into it but I’d rather just keep this a nice clean interview.
Sometimes nice and clean is boring.
Yeah, I know.
Did their negative campaign have any effect?
Yes, their candidates lost.
Why do you think the council elected you to be the mayor?
Because I have a proven track record. I have focused on bringing in revenue to Teaneck since the day I became a councilman, and I have the ability to unite the council for the common goal of helping the residents in town.
Are Shabbos and yom tov going to be a problem for you as mayor?
It’s not a problem; it’s a challenge. If I go to an event where there’s a microphone, obviously I can’t use the microphone. If there’s a function at a distance, I’ll have to walk. But I have a responsibility to the residents of the entire community and I take that responsibility very seriously.
Do you have any aspirations for higher office?
No, I don’t.