Reorganization meeting Tuesday
By:Roger Alvarado
At this year’s township reorganization meeting when Steven Sireci was sworn in to replace Tony Gwiazdowski as mayor, Township Committee members vowed to rotate the office.
That policy will be tested when the committee holds its annual reorganization meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Municipal Complex.
Members of the Township Committee will select a mayor and deputy mayor from among themselves.
Deputy Mayor Bob Wagner, who would be next in line to succeed Mayor Sireci, says he’s heard the rumors that he’s going to be mayor, but says that right now it’s just speculation.
"I hear the rumors," Mr. Wagner said. "But we’ll have to wait until Tuesday to see what happens."
However, Mr. Wagner said that if he is nominated by the other members to fill the position, he would be willing to take the reins.
"If it does work in that direction I would certainly be honored to accept the position," Mr. Wagner said. "It would be an honor for anybody. Having been deputy mayor this year is something that I’ve been really thankful for."
Even though the job would carry a "big burden," Mr. Wagner said he would certainly "look forward" to carrying out its responsibilities.
Mr. Wagner, 40, of Decamp Drive has lived in Hillsborough for 11 years. He is a supervisor for Magellan Health Services in Parsipanny. Mr. Wagner was elected to the Township Committee in November 2003 and was appointed deputy mayor in 2004 when Republicans held a 5-0 majority.
Next year, Republicans will hold a 4-1 majority on the committee.
In addition to choosing who the mayor and deputy mayor in 2005 will be, committee members will be welcoming a new face.
Democrat Paul Drake, 39, will be sworn in to begin his three-year term Tuesday.
Mr. Drake of Balmoral Court works as a professional planner and has been a Hillsborough resident for 13 years. He chaired the township Zoning Board of Adjustment in 2004 and has previously sat on the township Planning Board.
"We are going to have a really good team this year from a committee standpoint with Paul coming on," Mr. Wagner said. "He brings an extensive background in planning with the state and that’s going to be a really good thing for us to have. He has a lot of knowledge of how things are done in Trenton and will be a key part of the team going forward."
During Tuesday’s meeting, Committeeman Anthony Ferrera will be sworn in to begin his full one-year term on the committee.
"I think everybody brings their own experience from the township to the table," Mr. Wagner said. "We’re going to have a really good year and I’m excited to have everybody on board."

