Celebrating GR Mayor for Woman’s history month.

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To celebrate the end of Women’s history month, we are focusing on our Mayor. Throughout the years, Glen Rock has had ONLY two female mayors. Mayor Jacqueline Kort (’92-99) and our current Mayor Kristine Morieko. 

Kristine grew up in Glen Rock and is the 3rd generation of her family to live in town. Her experiences are diverse and versatile from her rich GR history. 

Her Glen Rock memories range from the library’s summer reading program, where they would build a set in the children’s room, and after reading a specific amount of books you got a ticket to enter, to snow days and adventures in Glen Rock. 

Kristine reflected on some of the snow activities, “Back then the arboretum pond would freeze over in the winter.  When it snowed, my brothers would run out early to shovel the snow off the ice and then my mom would get our skates on and we would ice skate on the pond.  If the boys were too busy playing games, we would go to the County Park on prospect where they would flood the parking lot and you could skate there. “

Kristine never planned to become involved in politics. It was a persistent resident, Mark McCullough, who finally got her to run for council. 

Kristine recalled, “Mark McCullough came to my door when he ran for mayor years ago, at that time I was working in municipal law and when he offered me his position on issues in the town I challenged many of his plans.  He wound up staying and talking to me for over an hour.  Then years later, he knocked on my door again and asked if I ever thought about running for office – that I had made an impression with my knowledge of how it all worked.  I said no, but thank you.  And 4 months later he returned with a signature page with my name on it.  He wanted me to run – and I never turn down an opportunity – you never know when/if it will ever come knocking again.  So I took a chance and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made.” 

During her years of Council, she was Council President for Mayor Packer. He came to her and asked if she would consider running due to his stepping down. Again, never saying no to a challenge, she felt that her background in municipal law and on the council would be an asset to the town.  She is re-running this year for her 2nd term. 

Wanting to know more, BTN dove deeper and asked some hardcore questions. 

1. What is your biggest personal accomplishment: “My kids!  I grew up always wanting to be a mom, I would carry my dolls around everywhere.  I had a phase where I would push a stroller with my twin dolls in them!  Never thinking that one day I would have twins, real twins, myself.  When they were born, it felt like everything was upside down and finally made sense simultaneously.  Everything I do is for them.

2. Any future political goals? 

“ I have ZERO interest in doing anything beyond the Borough of Glen Rock.  And I have been asked for my temperature on other positions, but I am firm.  You will never see me run for Assembly or Congress or Senate.  My heart is in this community and my goal is to make this town the best place to work, live and raise a family. “ 

She then reflected on her wishes:  “However, I would LOVE to have an all-female council. Like RBG Said ‘When there are 9’ when asked how many women would be enough on the Supreme Court. Statistically, it is proven that female legislatures get more done. I see it already in Glen Rock we have 6/7 female representation. When women commit, they are great listeners, and good communicators and see all the details and get things DONE. There is a lot of power to be harnessed there. And I am proud to be a female Mayor in a male-dominated environment – we need stronger female leaders.” 

Her biggest accomplishment as mayor: “Getting the community through the most uncertain times of the pandemic. And the open communication I had with the residents.” 

Projects and organizations Kristine has been involved in: Faber, Pool renovations, Pool/Arboretum Pavilion upgrade, Triangle park, a new fire truck, increased grant money, being named president of the NorthWest Bergen Mayors and Vice President of the NJ Conference of Mayors. 

Here’s what our Mayor has to say about her time leading Glen Rock: “The people I have met and connections made have been incredible.  And working with an amazing group of dedicated volunteers who serve our Borough.”

In the past several years’ residents have also seen a positive change in Glen Rock administration including increased communications, more transparency, and more environmental projects. 

Thank you for all the positive and proactive actions you have taken for our town.

Grace Maxwell Allen Contributed to this story,