JAMESBURG The Borough Council inaugurated new council members and appointed committee heads, as well as other borough officials, at its reorganization meeting Wednesday.
By: Nick D’Amore
JAMESBURG The Borough Council inaugurated new council members and appointed committee heads, as well as other borough officials, at its reorganization meeting Wednesday.
Democrats Barbara Carpenter and John Longo were sworn in as new council members, each for three-year terms.
Ms. Carpenter received 701 votes and Mr. Longo received 728 votes in November, defeating incumbent Republican Councilman Adam Bushman, who received 504 votes, and his running mate, Darren Larsen, who received 420 votes.
Also in November, Democratic Councilwoman Marlene Lowande was re-elected for a one-year term, defeating Republican Gregory Newton with 727 votes to his 437, and Mayor Tony LaMantia retained his post, running unopposed.
Mayor LaMantia said he is looking forward to revitalization projects to bring in businesses.
"I want to keep Jamesburg going in the direction we’ve been going," said Mayor LaMantia.
Also, Mayor LaMantia said he would be looking into more recreational programs for children and adults in the borough.
As a councilman, Mr. Longo said he would continue to aid borough revitalization and sidewalk projects, as well as helping to finish up the Master Plan. Mr. Longo will chair the Public Works Committee.
"I’m looking forward to bringing my 30 years as an administrator on one side of the table to the other side. I will ask the right questions and get the right things done," he said.
Before being sworn in, Mr. Longo resigned his position as Land Use Board chairman at the meeting, but will remain on the board as council liaison.
Mr. Longo said he is happy to remain involved with the board in that capacity.
Ms. Carpenter said she was excited about her new position on the council and is looking forward to learning more about the workings of the borough. "I have to get into it. I’m looking forward to learning more about my committee. I’m the new kid on the block," she said.
In addition, the council appointed Otto Kostbar council president and police commissioner. Mayor LaMantia will again head the Buildings and Grounds Committee and Ms. Lowande will continue as Recreation and Education Committee chair. Councilman Sam Cline will chair the Finance and Budgeting Committee; Councilman Joe Jennings will head the Personnel/Negotiations Committee and Councilwoman Barbara Carpenter will head the Public Safety/Emergency Services Committee.
Other borough appointments include:
- Borough Attorney, Fred Raffetto;
- Chief Financial Officer and Business Administrator, Denise Jawidzik;
- Borough Engineer, Alan Dittenhofer;
- Sewer Administrator, Kelly Taylor;
- Borough Auditor, Eugene Farrell;
- Special Class II Officers, Lynn Jankowski and Robert Caltabellatta;
- Borough Prosecutor, Chris Rafano;
- Recreation Director, Tony LaMantia;
- Municipal Court Administrator, Carole Butewicz;
- Receptionist/Administrative Assistant, Marion Toscano and Jennifer Vedral.