JAMESBURG: Edward Herman new borough judge

By David Kilby, Staff Writer
   JAMESBURG — Edward Herman was appointed as the new municipal judge at the borough’s reorganization meeting Wednesday.
   He has been judge for 25 years in various places. Currently, he is the judge for Cranbury, Plainsboro and Highland Park, and he also serves as arraignments and first appearance judge for the county jail.
   Judge Herman has an office in New Brunswick because he is the presiding judge for Middlesex County Municipal Court.
   His first municipal court session for Jamesburg was Tuesday.
   ”We had a relatively easy court session last night. However, I’m sure the next few court sessions will more than make up for that,” he said at Wednesday’s meeting.
   He invited each council member to watch and learn about what happens in the courtroom. Municipal court sessions are the first and third Tuesdays of the month.
   ”I try to be as fair as I can be with everyone who comes before the court,” he told the council. “I try to take the interest of the town into account before I make a decision in every case.”
   Council President Otto Kostbar said he believes Judge Herman will do a “very competent, stern job” as borough judge.
   ”I believe Jamesburg is very fortunate to have you,” Mr. Kostbar said to Judge Herman.
   ”I appreciate your confidence in me,” Judge Herman said.
   The municipal judge must give a synopsis to the council of the happenings in the municipal court every six months, Judge Herman said.
   He said he resigned from the Hill Wallack LLP law firm — which has offices in Princeton, Atlantic City and Yardley, Pennsylvania — last Friday so he could be a full-time judge.
   ”I’ll be here for more than the court sessions,” he said to the council. “If you have any questions or any problems, please don’t hesitate to call me.”
   He said he will be focusing on municipal courts now so he could be more available.
   ”I’ll be around a lot,” he said to the council.
   ”Welcome aboard,” Mayor Anthony LaMantia said.