By Kaitlyn Kanzler, Special writer
CRANBURY — Mayor David Cook was honored by the Township Committee for his work during the past year at its meeting on Dec. 10.
According to committee member Glenn Johnson, Mayor Cook has been in Cranbury since the age of six and was elected to the township committee in 2010 and selected mayor in Jan. 2012.
”Through his leadership skills as well as his great communication skills, Cranbury Township benefited greatly with Dave at the helm,” Mr. Johnson said, reading the proclamation at Monday’s meeting.
According to Mr. Johnson, Mayor Cook contributed to a shared services agreement with Palmetta Borough for animal control and town services which resulted in large savings for Cranbury.
Mayor Cook has been involved in many pre-construction meetings, such as the Brainerd Lake dam project, which is going out to bid in the next few months, he has worked this year with the Turnpike Tree subcommittee to provide several trees for the township.
”His commitment, time, energy, skill, and creativity have helped us in this community in numerable ways,” committee member Susan Goetz, who was absent from the meeting, said in an email read by Mr. Johnson.
According to Mr. Johnson, Mayor Cook also worked closely with the business committee to start the Cranbury Farmer’s and Vendor’s Market, which kicked off on the first Friday in July and was a great success.
The township also recognized Mayor Cook’s leadership, responsiveness and hands on help throughout by working with the utility companies to restore power to residents.
”Though a bit grubby after a few days without power or heat, he never ceased to be out there in the follow up of (Superstorm) Sandy, chasing down PSE&G trucks, working with our public works and police, visiting families, ensuring our residents, and doing all he could to get the town up and running again,” Ms. Goetz said.
Ms. Goetz also thanked Mayor Cook for his support during her first year on the council.
”I am pleased that we will continue to have the time, energy and skill going forward,” Ms. Goetz said.
According to Mayor Cook, he did not expect this proclamation, and was extremely thankful for those who turned out to support him.
”One thing I’ll say is that I love being a part of the long list mayors who have been a part of Cranbury, going back many years,” Mayor Cook said. “I’m just proud and honored and humbled that you could come out this evening.”
Mayor Cook also recognized the members of the committee, stating that everything is a team effort.
”The township committee of the township of Cranbury hereby thank David Cook for a job well done and conveys its gratitude and its appreciation of him as the township’s mayor for the past year,” Mr. Johnson said.

