Council Member in Bergen, New Jersey

2026 Primary Election

• James V. Kontolios — Incumbent Council Member in Ridgefield, NJ

  James V. Kontolios is an incumbent Councilman for the Borough of Ridgefield, New Jersey, having served three terms over nine years since 2017. A lifelong Ridgefield resident, he is an electronics/IT engineer and small business owner, owning DBK Chian Enterprises. As a Greek-American community leader and philanthropist, he focuses on public safety, infrastructure, and fiscal responsibility. His platform highlights strengthening public safety, including hiring new police officers and adding traffic cameras, improving streets and infrastructure, ensuring property tax stability as a member of the Finance Committee, and modernizing the Building Department. He is running in the Democratic primary for Ridgefield City Council in 2026.

• Dennis J. Shim — Candidate for Council Member in Ridgefield, NJ

  Dennis J. Shim is a political candidate in Ridgefield, New Jersey, currently seeking a council seat as a Democrat in the June 2026 primary election. Voters in the Democratic primary will select two candidates from a field that also includes James V. Kontolios and Frank Pellino. Shim has prior experience in local politics, having previously run for Mayor of Ridgefield in 2023 as an Independent candidate. His current campaign marks a shift in party affiliation as he aims to secure a spot on the November general election ballot for a council position.

• Frank Pellino — Candidate for Council Member in Ridgefield, NJ

  Frank Pellino is a Democratic candidate running for Council in Ridgefield, New Jersey, in the June 2, 2026 primary election. He is affiliated with the Ridgefield Democrats and has been noted for his participation in successful local events with the party. Pellino is one of three Democratic candidates competing for two council seats in Ridgefield during the primary. His candidacy is part of the contested local races occurring within Bergen County.

• Sarah H. Kim — Attorney in Ridgefield, NJ

  Sarah H. Kim is an incumbent Councilwoman for Ridgefield, New Jersey, with her term expiring in 2026. An attorney licensed in New Jersey and New York for over a decade, she runs a solo practice. She graduated from Albany Law School, after earning Bachelor's degrees from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master's from Yonsei University in South Korea. Kim's commitment to civic engagement began with human rights work abroad and continued through organizations like Amnesty International. She actively serves her New Jersey community on Ridgefield's Anti-Bullying and Parks and Recreation committees, and the Bergen County Advisory Council of the Division of Senior Services.

• Gino S. Ramundo — Incumbent Council President in Ridgefield, NJ

  Gino S. Ramundo, a lifelong Ridgefield, New Jersey resident, is a dedicated public servant and entrepreneur. He earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree Magna Cum Laude in 1996, subsequently establishing successful chiropractic and physical therapy practices throughout North Jersey. Dr. Ramundo also founded GSR Developers LLC, a real estate company responsible for building over 50 new homes. Elected Ridgefield Councilman in November 2023, he was voted Council President in 2026, demonstrating his commitment to the community's safety, growth, and well-being. He chairs the Police Department Committee and serves on the Health & Welfare, Fire Department, Library, and Anti-Bullying Committees.