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MANVILLE: Two Dems take oaths on council

Mayor would break tie votes if governing body splits

By Mary Ellen Day, Special Writer
   Two Democrats were sworn to the Borough Council seats Saturday at the 84th annual reorganization meeting in front of a standing-room-only crowd.
   Mark Gregor and Ronald Skirkanish are the newest members to join the council, which now is balanced with three Democrats and three Republicans. If there were tie votes, Mayor Angelo Corradino, a Democrat, would cast the deciding tally.
   Municipal Court Judge Robert J. Foley administered the oath of office to the two. Mr. Skirkanish’s mother, Mary, and his son, R.J., held the Bible as he took his oath. Mr. Gregor’s wife, Debbie, held the Bible for her husband.
   Mayor Angelo Corradino introduced the many guests, including newly elected state Assemblywoman Donna Simon.
   ”I just want to let you know that I spent a lot of time in 2012 in Manville, and the borough is an incredible place,” she said. “It is a great community, both passionate and compassionate, and I very much look forward to 2013 and working with you.”
   Councilman Ed Komoroski, a Democrat, was elected as Borough Council president for the year.
   New Councilman Gregor said he promised to serve the best interest of the people of Manville for years to come.
   ”Everyone who sits in these chairs have different perspectives, and I am confident all our goals are the same,” he said. “I look forward to working with each person on the council to make Manville a better place to live. Manville has been facing some difficult times. Our infrastructure continues to need countless and costly repairs, and our daily costs for operations (will) increase.”
   He said creativity and cooperation will be required from the entire council.
   ”I know that Manville has the potential of being even better,” he said. “Despite our problem, we have many wonderful neighborhoods and families living here. As council members, we have the responsibility and the opportunity to make sure that the interest of the individuals, families and businesses are fairly represented.
   ”We must be willing to listen to them and each other. We are not also going to agree on the best way to move forward, but must be willing to work together.
   ”That is what our constituents deserve, and that is what we must give them. I am sure that we will.”
   Councilman Skirkanish gave “a special thanks to everybody who actually came to the door to speak to us while we were campaigning.
   ”As Mark said, we are going to work with the rest of the mayor and council here. I will do my best and vote with my conscience.”