After 492 Meetings, Sisco Says Goodbye

A crowd filled the room for the meeting Thursday, but not a single person was there to comment on or question any part of the council's agenda.

Kinnelon residents of all ages attended the meeting to say goodbye to the borough's mayor of more than 40 years, Glenn Sisco. Although this was Sisco's last meeting as mayor, he assured those in attendance that he has no plans to leave Kinnelon.

Just before the council went into executive session, Sisco said he had a few words, but warned the crowd. 

"I've been accused before that you hand me a microphone and it's dangerous," he joked.

Sisco said that he had attended 492 meetings between serving as a council member from 1965-1968 and mayor from 1969-2010. "It was a long string, it was a good run and I have no regrets," he said.

Sisco, a Republican, has been one of the longest-serving mayors in New Jersey. A kindergarten school, , in Kinnelon was named after Sisco after being renovated from the former .

Sisco is also the vice president of the Kinnelon Volunteer Fire Co., having been with the company for the past 45 years, he said. He said he plans to stay with the company after he is no longer mayor.

During the meeting, Councilman James Freda thanked the mayor for his service to the council and the community. Mayor-elect Robert Collins presented Sisco with a letter of recognition from the New Jersey Legislature.

Looking back, Sisco said, "It took a lot of people along the way to do the things necessary to make the community a real decent place to live and a nice place to raise a family."

Sisco said he and his wife, Barbara, do not intend to leave Kinnelon and that he, like many borough residents, have a "resident feeling of pride" about Kinnelon.

"There's always nice things to say about other places, but there's always nicer things to say about Kinnelon," he said. While Sisco said it is with mixed emotions he steps down as mayor, he added, "I still think it's time, but I'll still be at home."