By Gene Robbins, Managing Editor
Township Committeeman Frank DelCore is likely to be chosen as mayor tonight when the local government reorganizes for 2013.
”I’d be very interested in serving and I’ve let my colleagues know,” said Mr. DelCore on Monday. “It’s something I’ve had the opportunity to do two times and it’s certainly something I’d welcome to do again.”
Mr. DelCore, who was mayor in 2009 and 2010, also said he’d likely seek re-election to a third three-year term this year.
”I’m very much inclined to run again,” he said, “and barring anything unforeseen I will be running again.”
Mr. DelCore is a Republican, as are all members of the governing body.
In the Township Committee form of government, the mayor is chosen by the five members, not voted by the public at large. The mayor is first among equals, holding the same voting power as the other members, but he or she runs the meetings, sits on more boards, performs more ceremonial functions and makes some appointments to township boards without need for committee consent.
In tonight’s meeting, which begins at 7 p.m. in the Peter J. Biondi Municipal Building on South Branch Road, two members will be sworn in for three-year terms.
Greg Burchette, an auto body shop owner and manager of the airport in the township, will begin his first term. He won election in November after being appointed to fill a ballot vacancy created when Robert Wagner announced, after the June primary, that he was taking a state government job that prevented him from seeking a third term.
Carl Suraci, who served as mayor in 2012, will be sworn in for his fourth three-year term. He successfully teamed with Mr. Burchette for the fall run.
The committee will move to a lengthy agenda of appointments and necessary business. They will vote on some paid professional employee spots, as well as professionals like an attorney and auditor. They will fill the roster of members on many of the local governing boards and commissions.
Seven spots on the Planning Board will be filled. One seat goes to the mayor or his designee. Another seat must be taken by a Township Committee member. Mr. Burchette’s position on the board in the capacity of a municipal official lapses, and he would have to be appointed to one of those seats to continue.
Other current members whose terms are up are Neil Julian, Sam Conard, Marian Fenwick and alternate Daniel Marulli.
On the Board of Adjustment, which rules on land use matters that fall outside of township ordinances, six spots need filling.
Leon Krals, the chairman in 2012, has moved from the township and resigned on Monday; there’s one year left on his term. Another member, Emergency Management Chief John Sheridan, resigned in September.
Michael Volpe, who moved up from an alternate’s spot to fill a vacancy left when John Jaghab resigned in June, would have to be reappointed, as would John Stamler. Two alternates’ slots, one vacant and one held by Shawn Lipani, need action, too.
Mr. DelCore said he expected state, county and former local elected officials to attend. After the meeting, light refreshments are planned at a reception in the multi-purpose room across the hall.

