By David Kilby, Special Writer
BORDENTOWN TOWNSHIP — Local government was busy rearranging committee seats on Jan. 5.
Committeeman James Cann became the township’s new mayor. Mayor Cann accepted the gavel from Committeeman Karl Feltes, who proceeded him in the role.
Committeewoman Jill Popko was appointed deputy mayor.
Committeeman Stephen Benowitz retook a seat behind the dais after a 34-year hiatus.
Additionally, Committeeman John Moynihan began his first full-term on the committee on Saturday. He joined the committee back in July by appointment to fill a vacancy.
Voters selected Committeeman Benowitz and Committeeman Moynihan in November to fill two full-term seats up in 2012. They defeated Michael Dauber, formerly Bordentown’s incumbent deputy mayor, and newcomer Kershaw Wetson.
On Saturday, Assemblymen Troy Singleton and Herb Conaway of District 7, Burlington County Freeholder Aimee Belgard and Anna Muschal — daughter of Peter Muschal, the namesake of Peter Muschal Elementary School in Bordentown — and other local dignitaries attended the reorganization meeting that filled the Bordentown Township Hall.
The meeting opened with an invocation by Pastor Eui C. Hwang of the Korean Presbyterian Church of Trenton as well as the national anthem and “God Bless America,” sung by Rosemary LaMachia.
New liaison and subcommittee appointments were made, many of which remained the same and some of which changed.
Mayor Cann was appointed liaison to the offices of township administrator and township clerk, professional staff, Municipal Court, the Office of Community Development and Code Enforcement and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. He also was appointed as a Class I member of the Planning Board.
The newly appointed mayor commended the many people who have helped him serve the community throughout his many years in Bordentown.
”Mrs. Popko has proven herself to be a tireless and dedicated public servant, and I cannot speak highly enough about her contributions to this committee and to our community,” he said of his new deputy mayor.
He also thanked his wife, Carole, for her love, friendship, guidance and constant effort and expressed his gratitude for his daughters, Laura and Erin, who “have always been a tremendous source of pride for me.”
Mayor Cann said Bordentown Township has a great sense of community, but added there are many challenges the community has to face in order to keep Bordentown the welcoming place people call home.
”Many of our friends and neighbors are struggling to make ends meet,” Mayor Cann said, “and the state and federal governments are sending less and less money to the municipalities to help our residents. As a committee and township, we are faced with a juggling act of trying to keep taxes stable, if not lower, while at the same time expanding needed services to our residents and provide necessary structural improvements to the township facilities.”
He commended certain nonprofit groups in town, like Bordentown Traditions, which hosts fundraising events in attempt to bring the Fourth of July fireworks event back to the township. He also said the township should actively seek to secure grants to offset loss of revenue.
Mayor Cann then mentioned the many development projects along Route 130 and Route 206, calling the projects “the start of a renaissance” along those highways. Along with the commercial development in these areas, the committee also is looking to expand the Public Works Department, a project that began late last year.
The mayor encouraged the residents to shop locally, saying local businesses provide jobs and help reduce the residents’ tax burden.
Deputy Mayor Popko was appointed liaison to the office of the chief financial officer, the fire districts, emergency medical services, emergency management, the Environmental Commission and the county Open Space Committee.
She said she will remain active in promoting the Environmental Commission’s interests and encouraged residents to make commitments to different green initiatives.
Deputy Mayor Popko also said she would like to start a movie night that features a movie on the environment and a music night in the park.
Committeeman Benowitz was appointed liaison to the Division of Public Property, Division of Streets and Roads; garbage, trash and waste collection; the Economic Development Advisory Committee, Senior Citizens Affairs; and special events. He was also appointed as a Class III member of the Planning Board.
Mr. Benowitz has lived in Bordentown since 1969, and was on the Bordentown Township Committee 34 years ago for one term as well as the Planning Board and the school board.
He introduced his family members present, including his wife, Ellen, who helped swear him in a few moments earlier.
”Bordentown Township has changed over time,” Mr. Benowitz said. “(But) I found out that some things never change. People in Bordentown Township are hardworking, decent, caring people who are concerned about many things. The township now mirrors the diversity of this nation.”
Mr. Benowitz said he hopes to continuously go door to door to get local residents’ and employees’ input on local politics.
”We need to have transparency in government,” Mr. Benowitz said. “Our local government needs to be efficient (and give the people) the local government they deserve.”
Committeeman Moynihan was appointed liaison to the Board of Education, the Bordentown Sewage Authority, Bordentown City Water Department, the Veterans Advisory Committee, the Affordable Housing Committee, cable television oversight and the New Jersey Turnpike Authority.
He thanked his daughters, Kelly and Kara, for their inspiration and especially his late father “for setting a positive example by his tolerance of opposing political views, his concern for the less fortunate and his belief that all members of a community have an obligation to contribute to the common good.”
Committeeman Moynihan thanked the committee for its consideration since July when he was first appointed to serve Bordentown Township. He said he is looking forward to working with all the members, including its newest member, Mr. Benowitz.
He also thanked the taxpayers of Bordentown and all voters whether they voted for him or not.
”I promise to show respect for your hard-earned contributions to our community and to adhere to the highest standards of integrity in performing my duties as committeeman,” Committeeman Moynihan said.
Committeeman Feltes was appointed liaison to police, the zoning board, the Affordable Housing Committee, the construction office, Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee and animal control.
”I welcome our new committee person, Mr. Benowitz,” Committeeman Feltes said. “I’ve interacted with him at our committee meetings, and I look forward to serving with him,” he said, adding Mr. Benowitz’ familiarity with township operations will be beneficial to the township.
In subcommittee appointments, Roger Plew and Marilee Ryan were appointed to two-year terms on the Environmental Commission. Mr. Popko and George Chidley were appointed to four-year terms and Nicholas D’Angelo to a one year term, on the Planning Board.
Mr. Popko also was appointed to a three-year term on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee.

