If there are two characteristics that best describe Arleen Walther, she believes they would be dependable and stable.
“I’m a very responsible person,” said Walther, who has been a purchasing agent for the township of North Bergen for the last five years. “I’m also very stable. When I’m faced with a responsibility, I get right into it and stick with it.”
It is the respect for responsibility and stability that caused North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco to recommend Walther to serve as the township’s representative as a commissioner on the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission. The NJMC approves and sets guidelines for development projects in the Meaowlands region.
Walther was officially sworn into the position last week at a ceremony at Town Hall.
Dependability and stability have been staples in Walther’s life. A resident of North Bergen since 1977, Walther is not the kind of person who would walk away from a challenge or leave a stone unturned. She’s had only two jobs in her life – working for the AFL-CIO, the union representing hotel, hospital, nursing home and funeral director employees, in New York for 34 years, and for the township of North Bergen. She’s been dedicated to both positions, putting her entire heart, mind and soul into her job.
“I was born and raised in New York, and the job with the AFL-CIO was the first I ever had,” Walther said. “The office was located two blocks from where I lived. I started when I was 16 and I worked my way up, to office manager and then assistant to the president. I loved it. I grew up on that job. Working for the union gave me a great background. It wasn’t a job. It was a life.”
Walther retired in 1997, but she felt that she was far too young to completely stop working. When the popular Larry Sinatra, a long-time purchasing agent in North Bergen, passed away that year, it left an opening in the township department that handles requisitions, bids and contracts. Walther figured she could handle the job.
“I thought my background fit the position,” Walther said. “It was just coincidence that one job just fell into the other.”
Walther was hired and thrust into the dubious position of having to replace Sinatra.
“It wasn’t easy,” Walther said. “Everyone loved Larry. He was a great man.”
Walther hit the ground running and fit the bill of the purchasing agent for the town.
“There are a million and one things going on,” Walther said. “It’s a big responsibility, handling all the departments. But it’s been a good experience. I love working for the town and I love North Bergen. I’m happy to be here. It’s become a big part of my life.”
When Mayor Nicholas Sacco needed to have a North Bergen representative on the Meadowlands Commission, he quickly thought of Walther.
“I was very thrilled and honored that he thought of me,” Walther said. “I’m really excited to serve in the capacity of commissioner. I didn’t even know what it will entail, but I plan to learn as much as possible. I’m a reader and I plan to read everything that is put in front of me. I know that there is a balance between the environment and development, so I will try to do my best to represent North Bergen.”
Walther joins the NJ Meadowlands Commission at a very important time for the township, considering that there have been many commercial development plans bantered about along West Side Avenue, as well as the possibility of building a new North Bergen High School in that section of the township as well.
“I know it’s a big responsibility,” Walther said. “But I will take the responsibility very seriously. I like getting involved. I really care about the community and I’m glad I can serve.”
When Walther was first approached by Sacco to take the position on the commission, she was a little leery.
“It seemed to be a bit overwhelming at first,” Walther said. “It was all new to me. But after I spoke with the mayor, he assured me that I could handle the job. I’m open for debate and I can form my own opinions. I’m just going to read everything, take everything in and learn as fast as possible.”
Walther knew that the appointment was official, when she received a letter in the mail last week.
“It was a letter from the governor, congratulating me,” Walther said. “That was impressive. I’m going to frame that.”