North Caldwell Republicans Launch Campaign for Mayor, Council

Will run under North Caldwell United Theme

Mayor Joe Alessi will seek re-election on a ticket with Councilman Ken Tilton and candidate for Council, Lara Schlachter under the North Caldwell United Theme.

Experience. Integrity. Vision. These are the ideals and values that unite this team and will be their guiding principles as Mayor and Council Members. This team plans to continue and build on the successes of North Caldwell under the leadership of Mayor Joe Alessi. It’s no coincidence that New Jersey Family Magazine named North Caldwell the 7th best town to raise a family in New Jersey in 2019 out of over 500 towns. HomeSnacks.net, another national town ranking service, rated North Caldwell the #1 best town to live in New Jersey for 2019. Its finances are managed responsibly, and its streets are safe. Taxes have remained stable (there have been no tax increases in 5 of the last 11 years). We have an exceptional bond rating which allows North Caldwell to borrow capital at a lower rate. Moody states: “North Caldwell’s borough management has a history of conservative budgeting as seen in its recent strong financial performance”. (Credit Opinion 9-25-19)

Additionally, Mayor Joe, Councilman Tilton, and candidate Lara Schlachter promise to remain accessible to its residents and to keep its government transparent – providing personal cell phone numbers and being responsive to constituent concerns. Mayor Alessi has held “Mayor’s Hours” since first becoming mayor to meet with citizens and address their concerns.

North Caldwell United Priorities

• RESPONSIBLY manage tax dollars
• KEEP taxes stable
• PROVIDE open and honest government
• DELIVER top-quality services to our residents
• KEEP our streets safe by always supporting our police & first responders

“I am excited to be seeking re-election as Mayor with Councilman Ken Tilton and Lara Schlachter – they are dynamic & dedicated and together we will work every day to keep North Caldwell the great community it is. We will keep taxes stable while continuing to provide outstanding services to our residents. We know that North Caldwell is more than just a town – it an exceptional community that is the best place to live, work, and raise our families,” said Mayor Joe Alessi.

About Joe Alessi

Joe Alessi has held the position of Mayor of North Caldwell since 2010 and was a member of the Council since 2002. He was a practicing attorney for 41 years, worked on Wall Street, was an Essex County Assistant Prosecutor for 5 years, and then opened his own general practice. He retired in 2021 and has just started a part-time job with the Essex County Utility Authority, thereby enabling him to have more time for his mayoral duties.

As a small business owner, Mayor Alessi understands the challenges facing a North Jersey business community experiencing economic uncertainty and rising costs.

Joe has lived in North Caldwell with his loving wife, Diane, since 1988. Together, they have two daughters.

About Ken Tilton

Councilman Ken Tilton is running for re-election because he understands the importance of maintaining a fiscally responsible approach to local governance while protecting the community values that make North Caldwell a great place to call home.

As a successful businessman managing multiple companies, Councilman Tilton recognizes the critical balance of budgetary restraint and finding opportunities to expand economic opportunity to the residents of North Caldwell.

Ken and his wife, Laura, who have two young daughters in our public schools, are committed to giving back to the community by participating in multiple charitable causes.

Ken is a founding member of the North Caldwell Police Foundation and currently serves as its Co-President.

About Lara Schlachter

Lara Schlachter, a candidate for Council, enjoys a successful career as a performer and teacher of music and theater. She currently teaches in her own private piano studio and directs plays through TPAPNJ. Over the years, she has worked with all ages from babies to the elderly in nursing homes. Her top priorities are to protect the community values that drew her and her family to North Caldwell in the first place: the small-town feel, low taxes, and quality public schools.

Lara has worked with other local parents running Grandview’s Saturday Pre-K Program, running the Books and Beyond Program, and as a class parent. Her husband, Ivan, is active in the community through coaching rec sports. She is a true believer in public service and volunteerism. Whenever she sees a need, Lara quickly jumps in to fill it.

As a mother of two young children, Lara brings her passion and creativity and ability to think outside the box to help lead North Caldwell into the future.