Frank Pizzella Joins Hillsdale Council

The Hillsdale Council unanimously approved Frank Pizzella as the governing body's newest member at their meeting Monday night.

Pizzella replaces former Councilman Rod Capawana, who resigned last month after sparking controversy with a comment about borough firefighters' drinking habits.

"I will put my best foot forward in representing the residents of Hillsdale," Pizzella said.

Pizzella has lived in Hillsdale since 2004. He holds degrees from Rutgers and Seton Hall Law School. He is a CCD teacher, lector at , treasurer for Westwood UNICO and is involved with the Hillsdale recreation program. He has not previously worked in government, but deals with it in his work as a compliance officer for a private equity fund.

"It's important to get involved and not just reap the benefits of a community, but also to serve that community," Pizzella said.

Borough officials welcomed Pizzella at the meeting, noting that he had been selected from three candidates chosen by the Bergen County Republicans from a larger pool of applicants. The Republicans got to choose the candidates because Capawana is also a Republican, officials said.

Pizzella said he plans to run for his seat when his term expires.

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