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Day 01
How a Local Law Is Made in Mahwah
We’ll break down the process step-by-step, from the initial idea to the final vote, and explain how local laws are created right here in our community.
Day 1 · Live now
A week-long look at the people, places, numbers, and processes that make our town what it is.
Because at Team Mahwah - Ferguson, Howard, Jankowski, and Miller - we believe that knowing your town means knowing how it works.
Follow along throughout the week!
For the next 7 days, we'll be highlighting one different part of Mahwah each day, breaking down the facts and information behind the town we call home. No spin, no politics - just how our township actually works.
We’ll break down the process step-by-step, from the initial idea to the final vote, and explain how local laws are created right here in our community.
Day 1 · Live nowTownship, county, or state? Different roads in Mahwah are maintained by different levels of government. Here's how to tell which is which.
Day 2 · Live nowMahwah is governed under the Faulkner Act - the Optional Municipal Charter Law - using the Mayor-Council system (Plan B). Here's what that means and how we got here.
Day 3 · Live nowIn the early 1900s Mahwah's police services were handled by one Constable. Over a century later we're a top 10 department in the county, answering about 43,000 calls a year.
Day 4 · Live nowOur Fire Department started with a few neighbors in 1914. Our EMS went into service in 2013. Together they are staffed by volunteers answering thousands of calls a year, 24/7/365.
Day 5 · Live nowUnder Mahwah's Faulkner Act form of government, municipal elections are nonpartisan. Since 1984 that has kept the focus on local issues, qualifications, and community needs — not national party politics.
Day 6 · Live nowFrom 1955 to 1971, Mahwah was the launch site for a Nike missile base built to defend the New York metropolitan area — converted in 1959 to launch Nike Hercules missiles.
Day 7 · Live nowEach installment posts here and on our Facebook and Instagram. Have a question about how something in Mahwah works? Send it to us and we may feature it.
