Elmwood Park swears in Joseph S. Oswald and names Lorraine Pellegreen council president

Joseph S. Oswald was sworn in as an Elmwood Park council member at the borough’s Jan. 2 reorganization meeting, and the council elected Lorraine Pellegreen as council president for 2026. Borough Clerk Shanae Morris certified the Nov. 4, 2025 election results before the swearing-in ceremonies.

Pellegreen was nominated by Councilmember Francesco Fasolo and seconded by Councilmember Eric Sampson. On a roll-call vote the council approved Resolution R-01-26 naming Pellegreen council president for 2026. Pellegreen then took the oath administered by Mayor Robert Colletti, with family invited to the dais.

Oswald, who described the day as “one of the best days of my life,” thanked supporters and pledged to be “a voice for diversity and for inclusion” on the council. Fasolo, the returning council member, also thanked officials and residents and said he looked forward to continuing service.

Visiting officials offered congratulations. Assemblyman Aladel Aziz said he looks forward to working with the new council and delivering results for Elmwood Park residents. Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco and County Commissioners Jermaine Ortiz and Mary Amoroso also congratulated the honorees and presented commendations.

The meeting included an invocation, the Pledge of Allegiance and ceremonial remarks from local officials. The council reestablished a quorum after a brief recess and proceeded with appointments and other reorganization business.