Before becoming Mayor, André Sayegh was on the Paterson City Council from 2008 to 2018, focusing on creating a vibrant, family-friendly community. As Sixth Ward Councilman, he revised flood maps to reduce insurance costs, closed nine nightclubs, and repurposed one into a preschool. He also introduced an abandoned properties ordinance to reduce blight and partnered with Kaboom to enhance community spaces like a new playground. Sayegh promoted innovative measures like the Commercial Curfew ordinance to reduce crime and worked with the Environmental Commission to boost recycling and city revenue. Prior to the City Council, Sayegh made significant contributions on the Paterson Board of Education, including implementing school uniforms and supporting new construction. He graduated with honors from Seton Hall University and earned a Master’s in Public Policy from Columbia University, where he was Student Government President. For 24 years, he taught as an adjunct professor and directed job readiness programs at Passaic County Community College. His public service roles included Chief of Staff for State Senator John A. Girgenti and Field Representative for Congressman Bill Pascrell. Paterson is not just Sayegh’s home he continues to invest in its future, raising his three children with his wife, Farhanna, in the city.
