SPOTSWOOD – There will be a new face on the Borough Council starting next month.
John Shaughnessy, who two years ago came in fourth in a seven-way race for three council seats, was elected last month to a four-year term. He will replace James Shearn, a councilman since 1996.
Incumbent Edward Seely was also elected in the borough’s May 13 election, and will begin serving his second council term on July 1, when Councilman Thomas Barlow begins his first mayoral term. Barlow will succeed longtime Mayor Barry Zagnit, who like Shearn did not seek re-election.
Shaughnessy and Seely agreed that one of the greatest challenges facing the borough is the property tax burden, especially in light of the recent state aid cuts to small towns such as Spotswood.
Shaughnessy, retired froma career with the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, said he wants to help keep property taxes under control. He noted that, due to limited municipal funding, the borough has been unable to take on projects that are needed in town, but said the mayor and council have worked hard to secure grant funding to help finance some improvements.
“We have to keep working to keep taxes stable,” he said. “The state is not a big fan of small towns. We have to use our wits to do the best we can.”
Seely said he was glad to see that Spotswood is regaining at least some of the $360,000 in state aid that was originally slated to be cut.
He said he has enjoyedworkingwith Zagnit over the past four years, but he envisions a newdirection under Barlowover the next four.
“I see a good new direction and I’m very optimistic,” he said.
Shaughnessy said he was “gratified” to be elected, and is looking forward to serving borough residents. He said he views the council “as a team” thatworks together, noting that he has not seen any contention on the public body over the past three or four years.
Seely said traffic is also a big issue in Spotswood, adding that he frequently hears complaints fromresidents about congestion.
Another issue both council winners brought up is future building and redevelopment along Main Street.
“I want it to be community-friendly, so it is pleasing to the eye and the businessman,” Seely said.
“We have some areas that need to be beautified,” Shaughnessy noted.
Seely also said he wants to see more places in town for youth sports.
“We do not have the sports areas to support youth activities,” he said.
Seely noted that the first term of any elected officials serves as a learning curve, “but on your second term you need to achieve something or get out of office.”
The twowill be sworn in at the July 1 reorganization meeting, when Barlow, who was featured in a previous interview, will take over as mayor.