An all-Democrat council and mayor began a new year with swearing in of new mayor John Ducey; and Councilpersons Marianna Pontoriero, Paul Mummolo, and Heather deJong were sworn in to their new terms.
Supporters from throughout town and across the state came to see the new administration sworn in, leaving council chambers standing-room only. An overflow room simulcast the entire event to crowds that couldn't fit.
Ducey received a standing ovation for his opening remarks, a 100 Day Plan, here. But he began by thanking those in attendance, the township administration and visitors such as Point Pleasant Borough Mayor Bill Schroeder, and Democrat officials from South Toms River, Burlington County, and the offices of Senators Cory Booker and Robert Menendez.
It was a proud day for Democrats, and party members from throughout the area came to applaud the new administration.
The Democrats had swept the November election, filling the seats from outgoing Councilman Domenick Brando, who pledged to enter the 2014 council race, and the council seats of Republicans Daniel Toth and Joseph Sangiovanni, the primary mayoral candidate and mayoral Republican party candidates, respectively from November. Stephen Acropolis did not seek reelection.
The annual reorganization meeting swore in the mayor and new council, who each gave speeches thanking supporters, pledging their commitment to the township, to crowd applause.
The meeting also chooses who will lead the council in 2014 and awards important annual contracts and appointments.
Susan Lydecker is the Council President for 2014; Jim Fozman is the Council Vice President.
Republican law firm of Gilmore & Monahan was ousted in favor of Starkey, Kelly, Kenneally, Cunningham and Turnbach for the one-year contract, at $165 per hour.
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