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Christina Cattrone sworn in as Fair Lawn mayor; new deputy mayors also sworn

2437810 · February 27, 2025

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Summary

Christina Cattrone took the oath as mayor at the borough council meeting Feb. 27, 2025, with Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way and state legislators in attendance. Outgoing Mayor Gail Rottenstrike was honored; Josh Reinitz and Gail Rottenstrike were sworn in as deputy mayors. The council also issued a Women’s History Month proclamation.

Christina Cattrone was sworn in as mayor of the Borough of Fair Lawn during the council meeting on Feb. 27, 2025, a ceremony that included remarks from state and county officials and recognition of outgoing Mayor Gail Rottenstrike.

The swearing-in was administered by County Commissioner Tracy Zuhr and attended by Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way, state legislators and Bergen County commissioners. Cattrone, who served seven years on the council before becoming mayor, pledged to prioritize local services and community values. “We will ensure our library remains a place where ideas flow freely and where books aren't banned,” Mayor Christina Cattrone said during remarks outlining local priorities including public health information, housing affordability, sustainability and protections for LGBTQ residents and immigrants.

The ceremony also included the swearing-in of Josh Reinitz as deputy mayor of community affairs and the formal recognition of outgoing Mayor Gail Rottenstrike. Rottenstrike said she stepped down from the mayoralty because she decided not to run for re-election and emphasized her continued commitment to the borough’s priorities. “My decision to step down as mayor is based entirely on my decision not to run for reelection,” Rottenstrike said, adding that she will continue to support council initiatives over the coming months.

Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way, who spoke at the meeting, praised Cattrone’s record of local engagement and leadership. “She really is the embodiment of female leadership,” Way said in brief remarks.

The council presented a proclamation designating March 2025 as Women’s History Month, and invited three Fair Lawn High School administrators—Vice Principal Nicole Matina, Assistant Principal Dr. Stephanie Baptiste-Bosco and Principal Suzanne Gans—to accept the honor. The administrators thanked the council for the recognition and spoke about the importance of education and community support.

Public commenters and local groups also used the meeting to congratulate the new mayor and deputy mayor. Members of the Fair Lawn Chamber of Commerce thanked the council for support of recent events and reminded the public that the borough’s street fair is scheduled for June 22. The meeting recessed after the ceremonial items and moved on to the council’s legislative agenda.

The changes to the mayoralty and deputy mayor positions took place under the borough’s Faulkner Act (council–manager plan), which governs the council’s procedure for selecting certain leadership roles.