Meet the two Republicans battling it out in contested Upper Saddle River mayoral race
UPPER SADDLE RIVER — Former Mayor Joanne Minichetti resigned last October from her elected post one year short of completing her third four-year term. Now two Republicans want her job.
Mayor Arman Fardanesh, a borough councilman and fire chief appointed to fill out Minichetti's unexpired term in November, is running for a full mayoral term in the GOP primary against five-term Councilwoman Joanne Florio.
The Democrats have posted no mayoral or council candidates for the primary. So barring a challenge by an independent candidate in November, whoever wins the Republican primary will be elected mayor in November.
Arman Fardanesh
Fardanesh was appointed to Borough Council in May 2021, succeeding DeAnne DeFuccio when she stepped down to become a 39th District Assemblywoman. The lifelong resident is a graduate of Northern Highlands, holds a bachelor's degree in biological sciences from the University of Delaware, and an MBA from Stevens Institute of Technology. He is employed in the pharamceutical industry.
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Fardanesh competed with the Saddle River Valley Swim and Tennis Club starting at age 6. He later served there as a lifeguard and swim instructor, eventually becoming the club's aquatics director. He joined the Saddle River Valley Rescue Squad at age 13. He is EMT certified and served on the Ambulance Corps, eventually becoming captain. He is firefighter-certified and has served in many leadership roles with the fire department, the last two years as chief.
Joanne Florio
Florio was appointed to Borough Council in 2010, and has served five terms including a year as council president 2021-2022. Florio moved to Upper Saddle River in the third grade and is also a Northern Highlands graduate. She holds a bachelor of science degree from Ramapo College, a master of science degree in biology/clinical nutrition from the University of Bridgeport and a doctor of chiropractic degree from New York Chiropractic College. She has had a private chiropractic practice for 37 years.
As a councilwoman, Florio serves on the Shade Tree Commission, Air Traffic Safety Committee, Environmental Committee, Green Tream, Board of Health, and Youth Guidance Council.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Upper Saddle River NJ mayor election: Two Republicans in race
