BY JANE MEGGITT
Staff Writer
Assemblyman Ron Dancer swears in incumbent William Miscoski as Miscoski’s wife, Donna, holds the Bible. The new Upper Freehold Township Committee got off to a rocky start, when for the first time in memory the governing body’s decision on the mayoral position was not unanimous.
Salvatore Diecidue, who is serving his second year on the Township Committee, was selected as mayor in a 3-2 vote at the Jan. 6 reorganization meeting. Committeemen Stephen Alexander and David Horsnall voted against his appointment.
Newcomer Stephen Fleischacker was sworn in along with incumbent Committeeman William Miscoski, who was chosen unanimously as deputy mayor.
When asked why he cast a negative vote for Diecidue, Alexander said that Diecidue had never asked him for his support in being mayor, and that he would only comment publicly once he had spoken to Diecidue. However, he said he wished him well as mayor, noting it was not an easy job.
Alexander said that if it did not compromise his own beliefs, morals or campaign promises, he would support Diecidue.
Horsnall said he cast his nay vote because it is his firm belief that a committee member who seeks to be mayor should first serve a term as deputy mayor.
“This has been the history of the process,” he said. “It has served the organization well, and I saw no reason to change it at this time.”
Horsnall, who has served as both mayor and deputy mayor, had also expressed interest in being mayor this year and felt that working as mayor with either Diecidue or Alexander in the deputy mayoral position would best serve the interests of the community.
“Committeeman Diecidue is now mayor, and I will work hard to support him and the entire committee, with the needs of the community always the primary consideration for any decision made,” he said.
Another change this year involves fewer meeting dates for the Township Committee. From April to September, only one regular business meeting per month has been scheduled rather than the two monthly meetings held in previous years. In addition, there will be one workshop meeting each month.
Other changes include a $5 fee for duplicate tax bills, as well as a $100 fee for a duplicate tax title certificate. Fees were established for various documents, from $200 for a copy of the township master plan to $10 for a CD-ROM recording of a Township Committee or Planning Board meeting.