MALTZ TAKES OVER AS MAYOR

Abate sworn in for 10th term on committeeThe Millstone Township Committee started the year in traditional fashion, gathering at noon New Year’s Day for its annual reorganization meeting.

By: Jillian Ruddiman
   MILLSTONE — The Township Committee started the year in traditional fashion, gathering at noon New Year’s Day for its annual reorganization meeting.
   Committeemen Charles Abate and Cory Wingerter both accepted another term on the governing body as they were sworn in by Township Attorney Duane Davison.
   "I would like to thank everyone for their support and confidence in me within this last election," said Mr. Abate, a Democrat elected in November to his 10th term on the committee.
   Mr. Wingerter, a Republican who begins his second term, nominated Republican Evan Maltz to hold the position of mayor for 2001. The nomination was seconded by GOP Committeeman William Kastning. Mr. Wingerter was mayor in 2000 while Mr. Maltz served as deputy mayor.
   Under the township committee form of government, the committee annually selects the mayor from among its members. The mayor has few executive powers, primarily serving as chairman of the committee.
   Mr. Maltz was elected to the committee in 1999.
   "A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, courage to make tough decisions, and compassion to listen to the needs of others," Mayor Maltz said as he accepted the position.
   "Cory, this truly applies to you and it has been a pleasure working as your deputy," he added, addressing Mr. Wingerter.
   "For the year to come, I wish to tackle items one at a time," Mayor Maltz said. "I thank the committee for its vote of confidence in me."
   He also thanked his family for its continuing support.
   "Let’s hope for a great year in Millstone," he said.
   "My number one goal is to keep this town the way I saw it eight years ago," the mayor added. "I saw a beautiful town and a harmonious place. I will give it my best shot, and I have a lot of help."
   Mr. Abate wished Mayor Maltz luck in the new year. He also thanked everyone who supported him with confidence.
   "I always keep the residents first in mind when I do voting on any issues," Mr. Abate said. He said future goals include "to work with the school board to purchase land for further recreational needs for the schools."
   Democrat William Nurko said he was looking forward to the challenges of the new year. He said in 2000 "there were many ups and downs but good things took place."
   Mr. Wingerter agreed that 2000 was a successful year. "Millstone Township is a unique and vibrant community," he said.
   Mayor Maltz and Mr. Wingerter both commented on the "great job" done by the Public Works Department, particularly in the wake of last weekend’s storm that dumped a foot of snow on the township.
   "If you drive through other townships, you do not see the job we did," Mr. Wingerter said.
   In addition to selecting a mayor, the committee reappointed several professional staff members, including Mr. Davison, township attorney; William E. Antonides, auditor; Richard Kelly, township prosecutor; and Gordon Milnes, township engineer. Mark Tarantino will hold the position of public defender.