Home > News > Article

Contact: William Reyes
Public Information Office
908-820-4124

Councilwoman Mazza Will Not Seek Re-Election

ELIZABETH, NJ FEBRUARY 17, 2006--After serving the residents of the Second Ward for more that seven years Councilwoman Carla A. Mazza announced she will not seek reelection this June.

Councilwoman Mazza is a lifelong resident of the City of Elizabeth. Serving her first term in January 1999 on City Council and serving as Council President in 2003.

“Councilwoman Mazza has been a strong advocate and a dedicated leader for the residents of the Second Ward,” stated Mayor Chris Bollwage. “Councilwoman Mazza has been on the forefront of numerous initiatives that have made our City a better place to live, work, and raise a family.”

Mazza was instrumental in the HOPE VI initiative, which revitalized the oldest section of the City replacing dated public housing with new townhouse style homes. Councilwoman Mazza was also an avid supporter of the Jersey Gardens development project, which not only created the State’s largest outlet mall but also attracted Loews theater, Marriott hotels, and Ruby Tuesday just to name a few.

In the Second Ward Mazza helped revitalize the Bayway business district with tree plantings along the main thruway from Route 1& 9 to Brunswick Avenue. She helped organize events for the New Jersey Literacy Program and toured schools during Women’s History month encouraging female students to work hard and set goals.

While tending to her City Council duties, Councilwoman Mazza served on various boards and committees. She was a member of the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Club of Union County/Elizabeth Chapter. She served as Vice Chairman of The Elizabeth Democratic Committee, Commissioner on the Union County Commission for the Status of Women, Director of Special Events for The Union County Democratic Committee, and was a member of both The County of Union Safety Committee and the Union County Cultural Planning Steering Committee. She also served on The Community Advisory Panel for Tosco/ Bayway refinery.

Currently Councilwoman Mazza is a Community Organization Specialist in the field of Economic Development for the County of Union and serves as a member of The Union County Centennial Committee.

Among her many accomplishments during her tenure Councilwoman Mazza has also been recognized as a “Distinguished Woman 2001” by La Tribuna newspaper, and Union County “Woman of Excellence” by the Committee on the Status of Women.

“It has been a great honor and privilege to service the residents of the Second Ward. I am happy about the many accomplishments we’ve achieved and I am enthusiastic about the future of our wonderful City,” said Carla A. Mazza. “I will always have a special place in my heart for the diverse and vibrant City my family has proudly called home for four generations. While the decision to not seek another term was difficult to make, it is a personal one that is right for me and my family at this time. I would be remiss if I did not thank all my supporters and residents for standing by me these last seven years. A special thanks goes to my colleagues on the City Council and Mayor Bollwage for their guidance, support, and most importantly their friendship.”