The River Edge Council presented former Councilwoman Mary Anne Rush with a plaque on Monday night, 'thanking her' for her years of service and dedication to the borough. Rush resigned from the Council last month.

"The award is well deserved," Councilman Johnny Porco said.

A resident of River Edge for more than 20 years, Rush was a member of the Council from 2002 to 2007, and again since 2009. She served as chairwoman of the Finance Committee and helped maintained a near $0 increase in municipal taxes from 2003 to 2005. Rush served as council president for two years, prior to an unsuccessful run for mayor in 2007.

"We all appreciate so much what you have done," Councilman Tom Smith said. "Both on the financial side and other things as well, including the library."

"Mary Anne, thank you for coming out of retirement to run with me," Councilman John Cannon said. Cannon and Rush ran together during the November 2008 election. "I probably would not be sitting here today if not for you. Service is an evolution starting with the library or PTO and this is our level of volunteering up here"

With a degree in finance and public management from Georgetown University, she spent nine years employed by a Fortune 100 company. Rush currently teaches 5th grade at Cherry Hill School in River Edge and has been involved with the River Edge Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, REGAL softball, River Edge Alliance Against Drug and Alcohol Abuse, St. Peter's Academy HSA and the Torch Run for Special Olympics.