Borough Council looks
to another year in office
By nicole c. vaccaro
SPOTSWOOD — Mayor Barry Zagnit foresees a promising new term for himself and Borough Council members.
The council reorganized Monday with the new municipal building nearing 98 percent completion, promises of state aid to complete a variety of community projects, and a third phase of water-main relining just around the corner.
At the official swearing-in ceremony and reorganization meeting, Zagnit recalled all the borough had been through over the last four years, thanking his family, staff and residents for their unconditional support and dedication.
The mayor also cited adversity in the way of inherited budget shortages, the unexpected loss of the original municipal building, the threat of large daily fines if De Voe Lake dam was not rehabilitated, serious infrastructure problems, and the loss of key borough personnel.
"By overcoming these challenges, we have become much stronger as a community and, thus, have been able to persevere," Zagnit said.
The mayor also said that none of the borough’s accomplishments would have been possible without the love and guidance of his family and "the proven ability, intelligence and honesty of his running mates Jim Shearn and Kevin Meade."
"Likewise, these qualities apply to our remaining council members, Howie [Keenan], Curt [Stollen] and Judy [Ruffo]. We are fortunate to have elected officials who are concerned about people and issues, not party affiliations," he added.
"It will be a pleasure working with them for another term," Zagnit said.
After his speech, the mayor proceeded with his reappointments for business administrator, borough attorney and borough engineer.
In addition, the governing body reelected Councilman Jim Shearn to another term as president.
"With the difficulties of the last four years behind us, we are looking forward a more promising and productive future," Zagnit said.