Charles J.x. Kahwaty

Charles J. Kahwaty is the current Mayor of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, sworn in January 2023. A long-time resident, he served as a councilman for 12 years starting in 2011. As a lawyer for over forty years and former President of the Bergen County Bar Association, Kahwaty highlights his professional leadership skills. His platform emphasizes maintaining a low tax rate, improving services, and responsible downtown development according to the Master Plan. He is dedicated to addressing affordable housing obligations without harming community beauty or property values, while preserving Franklin Lakes' bucolic character. During his council tenure, he helped achieve low municipal property taxes, increased surplus, and maintained a triple-A bond rating, continuing Mayor Bivona's legacy.