Dear Fellow Residents and Business Owners,
 
We have made it through a pretty mild January, and we are hoping that the rest of the winter will be just as cooperative. As February gets underway, the City Council is continuing to work on the budget for 2020, as proper financial management is a critical aspect of city government.  Our Council focuses on the community’s goals and long-term considerations when approving the annual budget.  Garfield is known for strong and sensible financial policies and practices, which are evident each year as the budget is balanced with every tax dollar being put to work for the residents.
 
Every resident is part of the unique character that makes up our great city, and each of us has a story.  With such a large community and so many residents, it can be difficult to know the people who live and work alongside us.  There are those who carry the rich history and heritage of Garfield that we call home, and there are also others who are emerging and molding the future of Garfield.  Beginning in March, the City of Garfield will be starting their census initiative.  (#garfield2020becounted) to make sure we are fully represented by our legislature, and that we receive proper funding by the federal government, Garfield needs to be counted.  We were told that we are about 4,000 to 8,000 residents short on our last Census; that is millions of dollars lost for the city of Garfield.
 
I want to thank Governor Murphy, Senator Sarlo, Congressman Pascrell, Congressman Gottheimer, Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco, Clifton Mayor Anzaldi, and Lodi Mayor Luna for attending a luncheon for the Sicilian President Sebastiano Musumeci when he visited Garfield last weekend.  I was very honored to present him with the key to the City.  President Musumeci was impressed with the vast diversity of our community, and how we recognize one another. 
 
I would like to congratulate the Garfield’s Vistula Soccer Club under 15 team, as they are ranked the #1 soccer club in the country.  Great job to all the athletes, coaches, and parents!!
 
Garfield On Ice is coming to Emanuel St. at Century Field parking lot on February 28, 29, and March 1 from 10 am to 9 pm.  There is a designated time for children with special needs from 10 am to 12 pm. I want our families and residents to take ownership of our city; this is why we will continue to bring family events and activities to the City of Garfield to improve community spirit and our quality of life.
 
The property on the corner of Monroe Street and River Road is finally going to get redeveloped. The former Kalama Chemical Plant has been unoccupied and contaminated for the last 40 plus years.  Additionally, it has recently been designated as a property that sits in a flood zone.  Garfield is lucky that a developer is purchasing the property to redevelop it for distribution centers and a strip mall.  Having this property cleaned and developed is a great achievement for the City of Garfield and will help make Garfield's future brighter.

Richard "Riggs" Rigoglioso
Mayor

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