The meeting commenced with the announcement of the May 13 municipal election results, where Cassian Gaines, Agatha Tumi, Philip Carroll, Sonia Clark Collins, and Roberto Diaz were elected to the city council. Each member took their oath of office, pledging to uphold the constitutions of both the United States and New Jersey. The ceremony highlighted the historic nature of the election, with Gaines as the first Dominican-American elected to the council.

Following the swearing-in of the council members, the meeting proceeded to the nomination and election of the mayor. Cassian Gaines was nominated and elected unanimously by the council members. He emphasized the importance of community and unity, addressing the challenges of rising living costs and committing to restore a sense of belonging among residents.

The meeting also saw the appointment of Agatha Tumi as deputy mayor, who was sworn in immediately after a unanimous council vote. Tumi, known for her extensive public service and community involvement, expressed her gratitude for the community’s trust and highlighted her commitment to addressing issues such as public safety and honest governance. Her appointment was seen as a step towards ensuring diverse leadership within the city’s governance.

Residents, dignitaries, and local leaders emphasized the importance of collaboration and expressed optimism for Hackensack’s future under the new leadership. The Bergen County Clerk praised the integrity of the electoral process, while community leaders highlighted the potential for partnerships between the city and various local institutions, including educational bodies and business alliances.

A recurring theme during the public comments was the desire for unity and community engagement. Many speakers, including long-time residents and local officials, stressed the importance of working together to address community issues. Jennifer Harris, president of the Hackensack Board of Education, expressed excitement about potential collaborations with the city council. Similarly, leaders from neighboring cities and organizations, including the Hackensack Performing Arts Center and Eastwick College, conveyed their eagerness to partner with the new administration to foster community growth and innovation.

In a moment of personal reflection, a resident named Anthony Z articulated the hope that Hackensack would be seen not merely as a collection of places but as a thriving community of people. This sentiment resonated with the general mood of optimism and expectation for cooperation and progress among the newly elected officials and the community at large.

The meeting concluded with speeches from the newly sworn-in council members, each expressing gratitude and a commitment to serving the community. Council members acknowledged the support of their families, colleagues, and the residents, emphasizing the shared responsibility of leading Hackensack towards a prosperous future. The mayor and council members reaffirmed their dedication to transparency, inclusion, and addressing the needs of the community, including development concerns and public safety.

Following the meeting, a moment of silence was observed to honor the memory of five Hackensack Fire Department members who lost their lives in 1988. The session adjourned with calls for prayers and support for the new administration, as clergy members offered blessings for wisdom and integrity in governance.