 Coaster Photo: Norm Goldfarb was sworn in as a Bradley Beach Borough Councilman last week. |
The saying your reputation precedes you is not always used as a compliment, but in Norman Goldfarbs case it was.
Goldfarb, along with George Bachar, was recently appointed to the Borough Council in Bradley Beach.
He explains that soon after he and his wife Susan moved into town six years ago, people started contacting him asking for his help.
As a retired police captain from Jackson Township, where he also served as deputy emergency management coordinator, his expertise was soon in demand, especially following the events of 9/11. He retired after 26 years.
Goldfarb is now the first deputy coordinator of the office of emergency management in Bradley Beach.
He was appointed under former Police Chief Robert DiNardo.
He ran unsuccessfully for a seat on the council in 2007.
I just love this town, he said. Whatever I can do to help, I will.
After his retirement in 2002, the Goldfarbs considered moving to Florida, but when their two grown children said they would be staying in New Jersey, the couple began looking closer to home.
Having two grandchildren nearby also factored into the decision making.
Your life changes when you become a grandparent, he said. It becomes the focus of your universe.
In Bradley Beach, both Goldfarb and Susan found what they had been looking for.
I am so happy we didnt head south, he said.
Susan Goldfarb, who worked as a registered nurse for many years, is a second grade teacher in Jackson.
While on the Jackson police force Goldfarb helped implement one of the states first Domestic Violence Response Teams. He said police would receive on average three domestic violence calls every evening.
We knew it was an important issue, he said.
He helped run a training program for volunteers who would assist victims of domestic violence proceed through the system and move on if needed to another agency, shelter or need a restraining order.
He said part of the police department was converted into an area where parents and children could stay while the case was being processed.
It was a safe haven, Goldfarb said. Make them feel at home.
As far as municipal government is concerned Goldfarb said he gravitated to it.
People were asking me if I could help, they just felt I could traverse for them successfully.
Goldfarb said he is prepared to begin his term on council, but wants to learn about the internal workings of borough hall.
I want to familiarize myself with the inner workings of the town.
Right now we have a budget we need to prepare we need to hit the ground running with that.
Goldfarb said he hopes that despite the economic situation and skyrocketing gas prices, New Jersey residents will realize that Bradley Beach is only a stones throw away.
Obviously the weather has not been good, but wed like to see more people here, he said. Its perfect. They can come here and its not going to beat their wallets up too much.
Goldfarb said he is more than ready to begin serving his council term.
I think how lucky I am to have found Bradley Beach, he said. Its a wonderful family town.
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