EATONTOWN — The Borough Council has added a new face to the dais, appointing Mark Van Wagner to a one-year unexpired term last week.
Van Wagner, a Republican and president of the Eatontown School District Board of Education, was appointed to the post at the council’s Jan. 13 meeting. His appointment fills the vacant seat left by the December resignation of former council President John Schiels.
“Welcome, Mark. We look forward to working with you as you begin your tenure here on the council,” Mayor Gerald Tarantolo said following Van Wagner’s swearingin ceremony.
Council President Dennis Connelly and council members Kevin Gonzalez, Mark Regan and Theresa Forbes voted in favor of Van Wagner’s appointment.
Councilman Anthony Talerico Jr. abstained from the vote, citing his support for his former running mate Joy Anderson, who ran unsuccessfully for council in the November elections.
Van Wagner ran unsuccessfully on the Republican ticket during the elections, while Talerico and Anderson ran on the Democrat ticket.
In addition to Van Wagner, Edmund Fitterer, a member of the Planning Board, and Richard Robbinson, head of the borough’s Republican committee, sought Schiels’ seat.
The council appointed Van Wagner after interviewing each of the three candidates during its workshop meeting.
During his interview, Van Wagner pointed to his previous budget experience and leadership role as the president of the Board of Education as qualifications.
“I’ve done a couple of budgets with the board,” Van Wagner quipped. “Presently I just put a template together to go forward this year.”
With his appointment, Van Wagner will serve as chairman of the council’s Finance and Ordinance Committee and on the Fire and Water and Public Works and Welfare committees, and act as the council’s liaison to the Historical Committee and Senior Housing Authority.
Van Wagner’s appointment will not impact the council’s political makeup. In accordance with state law, the council was required to name a new council member with the same political affiliation as Schiels.
Elected in 2007, Schiels was approaching the end of his first term on the council.
He resigned his seat after learning he had been hired for a new position with the federal government.
Schiels said he would miss serving on the council.
“What I liked best about [serving on the council was] you were able to interact with the residents and be a conduit to solve some problems,” Schiels said. “That’s the most, to me, rewarding part of being on council.”
Schiels provided updates regarding the municipal budget and worked hand in hand with the Finance Department and Borough Administrator George Jackson.
“Finance was a pleasure to work with,” Schiels said. “You have extremely qualified people in the borough. Everybody knew what we had to do and everybody really worked toward the goal, and it was successful.”
However, Schiels said budgeting could be difficult because it has a direct impact on residents’ lives.
“Budgets are particularly difficult to work on because you are affecting people and you have to understand what you are asking for and the effects of it, and sometimes it’s hard,” Schiels said. “But you have to do what’s right for the residents and make the appropriate cuts. It can’t be personal.”
Connelly was elected council president. Former head of the local Policemen’s Benevolent Association, Connelly said he was well prepared for the role.
“When it comes to taking over for [Schiels], it’s not something that I was looking to do at this point,” he said, “but I am up for the task, that’s for sure.”
As for Schiels’ departure, Connelly praised his contribution to the council.
“It’s sad to see him leave, because of his expertise and his knowledge … It’s going to be a very big loss to the town,” he added.