Five candidates vying for the District 30 City Council seat faced off during a lively and, at times, contentious forum hosted by the Ridgewood Property Owners and Civic Association (POCA) on Thursday, April 3. The event, held at Ridgewood Presbyterian Church, drew a packed audience of residents eager to hear candidates’ views on key local issues.
Candidates Dermot Smyth, Phil Wong, Alicia Vaichunas, Paul Pogozelski, and Fr. Mike Lopez shared the stage, offering sharply contrasting perspectives on education funding, senior services, and transportation solutions.
