By: centraljersey.com
Jim Burd is the new mayor of Hopewell Township.
Mr. Burd, who was elected to a second term on the Township Committee in November along with fellow Republican Michael Markulec, took the oath of office at Tuesday night’s annual township reorganization meeting.
Mr. Burd was nominated for mayor by Mr. Markulec. There were no other nominations. The vote in favor of Mr. Burd was unanimous. The other Committee members are Kim Johnson, a Republican, and Democrats Vanessa Sandom and John Murphy.
Mr. Markulec, who was mayor last year, was unanimously elected deputy mayor after being nominated by Ms. Johnson
"This is quite an honor you’ve bestowed on me," Mayor Burd said in a brief address after being sworn in by Clerk Laurie Gompf as his wife Debra, son Matt and daughter-in-law Brielle Burd held the Bible. "I will do my best to fulfill your expectations."
The new mayor thanked present and former volunteer members of the township’s boards, committees and commissions.
"You’ve really helped to make this a community we’re all proud of," he said. Noting that the township has not increased its property tax rates in three years, he said two major anticipated events of 2011 are the opening of the Twin Pines athletic fields, on Pennington-Lawrenceville Road, and the Capital Health System (CHS) hospital, off Scotch Road near I-95.
Looking further ahead, he said the hopes for a senior center, youth center, deer management plan and revamped fire safety plan are major issues.
Mayor Burd stressed that transparency is vital to township government. "We will continue to strive for it," he said. "We want the public to know everything that’s happening – the beginning, the middle and the end."
To residents, he said: "We look forward to your suggestions and, when necessary, your constructive criticism."
In a brief address, Mr. Markulec said he decided not to seek a second one-year term as mayor – that has been the usual pattern in township government – in order to let Mr. Burd take the job. "He’s an outstanding man," Mr. Markulec said.
Mayor Burd made the following departmental assignments to Township Committee members for 2011.
– The mayor will handle administration, the Agricultural Advisory Committee, inter-local relations and public safety.
– Deputy mayor Markulec is in charge of finance, historic preservation, will be the liaison to the Lawrence-Hopewell Trail and the township Planning Board. He also will be in charge of public works and serve as liaison to the Youth Advisory Board.
– Ms. Johnson will be liaison to the Affordable Housing Committee, Advisory Board of Health and Senior Advisory Board.
Ms. Sandom will be liaison to the Environmental Commission and Open Space Advisory Committee.
Mr. Murphy will be liaison to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee.
STEVEN GOODELL was reappointed Hopewell Township attorney Tuesday.
Other professional appointments were Robert Yostembski, municipal prosecutor; John Holliday, municipal public defender; and Elaine Cruikshank-Borges, treasurer.
William Connolly and Marta Cruz Gold were appointed to the Zoning Board of Adjustment for four years. Robert Cacciabaudo was appointed an alternate member of that board for two years.
Deputy Mayor Markulec was appointed to the Planning Board for one year, as were Mayor Burd and John Hart. Lawrence Clarke and Thomas Perrino were appointed for four years. Mary Jane Chipowsky and Todd Brant were appointed alternate members for two years.
Michael Aucott, John Hart and Nora Sirbaugh were appointed to the Environmental Commission for three years. James Gambino was appointed an alternate member for two years.
Pamela Crabtree was appointed to the Historic Preservation Commission for four years. Rollin LaFrance was appointed an alternate member for two years.
Michele Byers and Edward Gainsborg were appointed to the Open Space Advisory Committee for three years. Kurt Vollherbst was appointed an alternate member for three years.
Mary Joe Herbert was appointed to the Agricultural Advisory Committee for three years. Mayor Burd was appointed for one year.

