Verona Council appoints new member to replace its former president

Verona Council selected a borough recreation leader as its newest member.

Trish Hredzak-Showalter was unanimously appointed to the elected board Tuesday.

She fills the vacancy created by former council president Pat McCarthy, who resigned due to health reasons a few weeks ago.

McCarthy, 71, a former drug agent in the state Attorney General’s Office, served on council 11 years, including the last one as president.

Vice president Nancy Carpenter was named president shortly after the resignation was accepted. Councilman Dave Matlin then became the new vice president.

Hredzak-Showalter, 37, is the chairwoman of the parks and recreation board and coordinator of its subcommittee on a community garden project. She is the vice-chair of the Verona Community Group, supporter of the Verona Garden Club and helped expand a Neighborhood Watch program along North Avenue and nearby streets.

“I’m very honored,” Hredzak-Showalter said. “I know several of the candidates who also applied for the vacancy and there was so much knowledge, talent and dedication to our community in the pool of candidates. I really appreciate that every member of our council and the mayor took the time to carefully read each of our letters of interest and interview each one of us.”

There were four candidates for the seat.

Matlin said Hredzak-Showalter’s volunteerism helped separate her from the pack.

“It was a tough decision to make,” Matlin said. “We appreciate the time and dedication these candidates have given to the community over the years. Trish has several years of experience volunteering for our community in many different capacities.

“Through her volunteer work, she has demonstrated a high level of commitment and dedication to Verona, and brings a lot of energy to council. Many of us have worked with her in the past on community initiatives. I think the mayor and all council members viewed her candidacy very favorably, so she should fit in with the board very well.”

Matlin said council will be redoing its committee assignments in the coming weeks, and believes its newest member will help with communication and weighing in on parks and recreation items.

Hredzak-Showalter has participated in many council meetings from the other side of the table.

She said she plans to run in the upcoming municipal election to try to keep her seat the next four years.