By John Tredrea, Special Writer
Democrat Vanessa Sandom is the mayor of Hopewell Township.
Ms. Sandom became mayor for 2013 at Monday night’s Township Committee reorganization meeting.
Allen Cannon, also a Democrat, is deputy mayor for 2013,
Democrat Harvey Lester, who was elected to the Township Committee in November, took the oath of office for a three-year term at the meeting.
Ms. Sandom, who has been a member of the Township Committee since October 2001, replaces Republican Michael Markulec as mayor. She was nominated for mayor by Mr. Cannon. There were no other nominations, and she was elected mayor unanimously by the five-member committee. This is the sixth time Ms. Sandom has served as mayor.
Mr. Cannon was nominated for deputy mayor by Mr. Lester. There were no other nominations and Mr. Cannon was elected unanimously
Mr. Lester gives the Democrats a 3-2 majority on the committee. He replaces Republican Kim Johnson, who did not seek re-election.
Jim Burd, who was deputy mayor last year and mayor the year before, is a Republican.
TO HER COLLEAGUES on the committee after being named mayor, Ms. Sandom said, during a brief address: “I know each of us has some things we want to accomplish this year. In my case, it’s figuring out how to do more with less, but it’s also developing a regional animal shelter, a community center, a public arts initiative, and green alternatives to traditional sewers. That’s my wish list.”
To the large crowd in the municipal auditorium, she added: “I want to thank those of you in the audience who come to these meetings on a routine basis, all of our volunteers on the various boards, committees and commissions who give so much of your personal time, and our township staff and professionals who help us be the best we can be. I, and all the citizens of the township, owe you an enormous debt of gratitude for your service and dedication to our community.”
After being sworn in and taking his seat on the dais with the rest of the committee, Mr. Lester said to the audience: “Thank you for coming here tonight and sharing in this celebration of democracy. Thanks to the voters who made this possible and thanks to my campaign team. And, most importantly, thanks to my family. I hope to make them as proud of me as I am of them.”
ONE-YEAR PROFESSIONAL APPOINTMENTS made at the reorganization included: Steve Goodell as municipal attorney; Robert Yostembski as municipal prosecutor; Christine Irizarry as deputy court administrator; and Lisa Fania as deputy municipal clerk.
Paul Pogorzelski, who also is township administrator, was reappointed township engineer for three more years.
Denise Moser and William Schoelwer were appointed to the Zoning Board of Adjustment for four years. Marylou Ferrara and Joanne Lockwood were appointed for two years as alternate members.
Ms. Sandom, Mr. Lester and Rex Parker were appointed to the Planning Board for one year. Bruce Gunther and Russell Swanson were appointed for four years. Drewe Schoenholtz was appointed an alternate member for two years.
James Gambino and Mr. Parker were appointed to the Environmental Commission for three years. Samuel Roth and Gloria Rohmann were appointed for two years.
Max Hayden, an architect, was appointed to the Historic Preservation Commission for four years. Rollin LaFrance was appointed for two years.
Appointed to the Open Space Advisory Committee for three years were Carol Kleis, Patricia Sziber, David Lennon and Al Colina.
Appointed to the Agricultural Advisory Committee for three years were John Hart and Lucia Huebner. Committeeman Jim Burd was appointed for one year.
Appointed to the Deer Management Advisory Committee for three years were Michael Van Clef, James Gambino and Mike Serbin. Michael Bellaus was appointed for one year.
Appointed to the Affordable Housing Committee for two years were Timothy Keenan, Christine Herman, Lauren Williams and Manjit Guleria. Ms. Sandom was appointed for one year.
Appointed to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee for three years were Kurt Vollherbst and Cathy Sing. Deputy Mayor Cannon was appointed for one year.
Appointed to the Board of Health Advisory Committee for three years were Matthew Martin and Michael Rothwell. Dr. Sharon Gertzman was appointed for two years.
Appointed to the Senior Advisory Board for two years were William Farmer, Larry Mansier and Anne Bolick.
