Closter Mayor · Nov 3, 2026
John C. Glidden
Jr.
John C. Glidden Jr., the incumbent, is running for mayor of Closter in the Nov 3, 2026 election, against Dolores A. Witko.
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The race · Mayor
- 01John C. Glidden Jr.You’re reading
- 02Dolores A. Witko
Background
- About
- John C. Glidden Jr. has been Closter's mayor since 2015 and served on the council from 2004 to 2014. Before that he chaired the Bergen County Utilities Authority's board of commissioners from 1992 to 2003.
- How the press groups them
- New Jersey Globe describes Christopher Cho and Monica Jethani as the Republican council candidates, with Mayor John Glidden Jr. seeking re-election. New Jersey Globe
- Campaign website
- closterrepublicans.com
The sample ballot lists John C. Glidden Jr., Christopher Cho and Monica Jethani in the Republican column and Dolores A. Witko, Linda Albelli and Steven J. Spoto in the Democratic column. Bergen County Clerk · Nov 3, 2026
On the record: John C. Glidden Jr.
7 sourced01Affordable housing1 sourced position
At the January 2026 groundbreaking for the 35-unit Village School Commons, he said the project lets Closter meet its affordable housing obligations while preserving the historic school.
Village School Commons allows us to meet our affordable housing obligations while protecting a site that holds deep significance for our residents”
Own statementNorthern Valley Press · Feb 3, 2026Link
02Police station and redevelopment1 sourced position
At the May 13, 2026 meeting, the minutes record him saying a proposed redevelopment zone to reduce the cost of a new police station was off the table and no PILOT projects were being considered.
Own statementBorough of Closter · May 13, 2026Link
03Delivery hours1 sourced position
At the May 13, 2026 meeting, the minutes record him explaining that the borough is not allowed to restrict one business over others.
Own statementBorough of Closter · May 13, 2026Link
04Flooding1 sourced position
He and Council Member Chris Cho pointed to a 2024 building-ordinance change requiring larger drains for some construction; he said the borough seeks federal and state funding when it can.
Any time we can, the borough actively seeks federal and state funding to help ease financial burdens on residents”
Own statementNorthern Valley Press · Feb 3, 2026Link
05Taxes and public safety1 sourced position
The Republican slate's site says Glidden, Cho and Jethani will keep taxes in check and calls public safety its top priority.
Public safety is our top priority — keeping Closter a great, secure place to raise a family.”
Own statementGlidden, Cho & Jethani campaignLink
06Open space and schools1 sourced position
The Republican slate's site lists defending Green Acres open space and keeping Closter schools governed by parents and community members among its priorities.
Own statementGlidden, Cho & Jethani campaignLink
07Past elections1 sourced position
Ran for Mayor of Closter in 2022 (won).
Own statementBergen County Clerk · Nov 8, 2022Link
Every claim links to its source and was checked against it before publishing. How this guide works
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