TEANECK — A three-candidate slate run behind the scenes by Mayor Mark Schwartz and Deputy Mayor Karen Orgen is launching its campaign for Teaneck Township Council, presenting Sharon Kolb, Avi Berliner and Amrit Ramjattan as community leaders focused on bringing residents together under the slogan “One Team, One Teaneck.”

The three candidates announced their joint campaign weeks ago in the Jewish Link, highlighting backgrounds in education, finance, engineering, municipal boards and community service.

While Schwartz and Orgen publicly "endorsed" the slate, sources familiar with the campaign say their involvement goes beyond a public endorsement. According to those sources, the mayor and deputy mayor are running the entire campaign behind the scenes through political allies.

The effort comes as Schwartz faces a potentially consequential council election, with four seats up for grabs in November. Elie Y. Katz and Danielle Gee have stated they do not intend to seek reelection.

Councilmember Hillary Goldberg is seeking reelection. Goldberg has had a contentious relationship with the Schwartz administration dating back to her time as a community activist, when she challenged the township over alleged violations of the state's Open Public Records Act and Open Public Meetings Act. Councilmember Denise Belcher is also seeking another term on the council.

As of July 1, Goldberg, Belcher, Duane Harley, Crystal Pressley, Edwin Ramos and Howard Rose had picked up candidate packets, according to Blue Teaneck. The deadline to file petitions is Aug. 20, leaving additional time for candidates to enter the race.

Kolb, a Teaneck resident for more than 26 years, is a former special education administrator who has been active in local civic and community organizations. She is particularly well known in the Congregation Bnai Yeshurun community for her extensive volunteer and community work.

Berliner, a 13-year Teaneck resident and financial services professional, has served on several township boards and committees. He was appointed to those roles by Schwartz and currently chairs the Fields Advisory Board and Municipal Open Space Trust Fund Board.

Ramjattan, who grew up in Teaneck after immigrating from Trinidad and Tobago, is an electrical engineer who has worked on major transportation infrastructure projects and currently serves on the township's Zoning Board of Adjustment.

Schwartz called the candidates people with a “strong record of service, leadership, and commitment to Teaneck,” while Orgen said they represent the township's tradition of civic engagement and community service.

With four seats open, the November election could have a significant impact on the makeup and balance of the Township Council.

For Schwartz, the race also presents an opportunity to add council members aligned with him while Goldberg seeks another term and additional candidates emerge from across Teaneck's diverse communities.

The field remains unsettled with the Aug. 20 filing deadline approaching.