Himelman appointed to Sinagra’s Senate post
Attorney one of three considered for
the position
VERONICA YANKOWSKI East Brunswick High School junior Krit Chakravarthy was among those giving residents a tour of the high school’s new facilities during a Nov. 18 open house.
Former North Brunswick Township Attorney David Himelman was named a state senator Nov. 26, replacing Sen. Jack Sinagra (R-18).
"I have had the support of Senator Sinagra. I have had the opportunity to work with him for the last 10 years, and one thing led to the next," said Himelman.
He was appointed state senator, filling the void left by the departure of Sinagra. Himelman was one of three candidates nominated for the position, along with Donald Katz and John Cito.
Himelman received 80 votes, while Katz received 57 votes and Cito received four votes.
The appointments were done in Middlesex County during a convention. Himelman was appointed and sworn in on Nov. 26. He will be serving as the state senator until Jan. 7, but he said he may consider getting involved in the political arena at a later date.
"I am keeping all of my options open," Himelman said. "This has been very exciting. I had the opportunity to vote on many bills. It has been a real learning experience. I look forward to serving my term. While I serve as state senator, I want to try and co-sponsor some legislation. I will just be keeping my options open and see what opportunities may come."
The township was very excited to hear about the success of its former attorney.
"It was very nice to hear that he was selected for such a prestigious position," said Mayor David Spaulding. "I’ve known David for about four or five years, and I have found him to be a very bright and capable man. I am sure that he will do the best job that he can do. I am very proud to hear that he has been selected."
"I wish all of the best of luck for the new senator," said Democratic Councilman Francis "Mack" Womack. "Sometimes we found ourselves in different situations because we didn’t always agree, but he always seemed to be a good man, and I wish him the best of luck."
Himelman had served as township attorney until February of this year, when he resigned due to personal reasons. He had been appointed by the township in January 2000.
Since he resigned from his post as township attorney, he has worked with the township as their special labor counsel, dealing with personnel issues in North Brunswick. His resignation occurred less than 24 hours after the termination of Rob Lombard as business administrator. Lombard was rehired a week later.
During his tenure as state senator, Himelman will be taking a leave of absence from his law office.
Council President Peggy Scarillo said that the firm will continue to provide special labor services. One of the firm’s partners, Aaron Schwartz, will be the special labor counsel.
While working as township attorney, Himelman had been working on an ordinance with the council to designate the council president as acting mayor when the mayor is absent from the municipality for more than 24 hours.
Sinagra had served three terms as state senator, having recently been sworn in 1998 for his third term. He was most notable for sponsoring a law requiring physicians in New Jersey to obtain medical malpractice insurance. He also authorized legislation providing new rights to patients in managed-care plans, including the right to appeal medical decisions to an independent panel.

