By Charles W. Kim, Managing Editor
There is a new, all Democratic, Township Council in place for 2013.
Josephine Hochman took her place at the dais Jan. 1 with re-elected incumbents Charles Carley and Joe Camarota as well as Deputy Mayor Chris Killmurray and Mayor Frank Gambatese.
Ms. Hochman won the seat in November, unseating the lone Republican Councilman John O’Sullivan.
”I Thank everyone of you for coming out today and celebrating New Years with us,” Ms. Hochman said to the around 40 people gathered at the Senior Center for the meeting.
Mr. Camarota swore Ms. Hochman into her seat on the council earlier in the meeting, giving the Democrats total control of the governing body for the first time in several years.
Ms. Hochman has served in a myriad of capacities in the past including stints on both the town’s planning and zoning boards as well as running the Democratic Club for a number of years.
”I always felt very secure and very safe living in South Brunswick,” Ms. Hochman said. “As a Councilwoman, I hope I can work to let you continue to feel that way.”
Ms. Hochman said she would be working on several committees in her new capacity as a councilwoman, but that she was comfortable in those committees because she served on several as a volunteer in the past.
”I know the services they perform and how important that is to South Brunswick,” Ms. Hochman said.
Both Mr. Camarota and Mr. Carley thanked the community for supporting them in November’s election.
Mr. Carley also praised the members of the community who voluntarily serve on the boards and commissions of the township.
”Without their work as volunteers, our job would become impossible,” Mr. Carley said.
He also thanked the professional staff of the township.
”When you guys are running good, which is most of the time, it makes us look good,” Mr. Carley said.
Mr. Camarota said he was humbled to be re-elected by the community.
”It is an honor and a privilege that I don’t take lightly,” Mr. Camarota said. “I take great pride in this.”
Mr. Camarota asked the community to continue contacting members of the governing body about issues in the community.
”That is how we find out things,” Mr. Camarota said.
Deputy Mayor Killmurray praised Middlesex County government for its assistance in helping the township.
”That is the one arm of government that helps (South Brunswick),” Mr. Killmurray said.
Mayor Gambatese said the new beginning represents the 10th year he has served as mayor of the township of about 40,000 people.
”2012 was an interesting year for the township,” Mayor Gambatese said. “We accomplished a lot.”
Mayor Gamabtese said the community faced several challenges with a staff reduced by about 15 people.
”That is a lot of services (to be without),” he said.
Mayor Gambatese thanked Chief of Police Raymond Hayducka and his department for performing at such a high level with 10 less officers.
”If you are going to be safe in any town, this is the town I want to be in,” Mayor Gambatese said.
He also praised public works employees for working so hard during Superstorm Sandy, chopping down some 600 trees and clearing debris.

