Just over a year after being appointed the first female mayor of the Hamilton Township, Kelly A. Yaede was formally inaugurated as the first elected female mayor Dec. 9.
by James McEvoy, Managing Editor
HAMILTON — Just over a year after being appointed the first female mayor of the Hamilton Township, Kelly A. Yaede was formally inaugurated as the first elected female mayor Dec. 9.
Family, friends, municipal employees as well as township and county political allies watched on as Mayor Yaede addressed her tenure as mayor so far as well as her initiatives going forward.
Her inaugural remarks came immediately after being sworn in by Sen. Jennifer Beck (R-11). Mayor Yaede’s father Fred held the Bible during the swearing in.
Just over a month ago, Mayor Yaede won reelection for a two-year term against Democratic candidate Barbara Plumeri and Antonio Gambino, an independent candidate.
Preliminary unofficial results from the county clerk’s office had Mayor Yaede boasting nearly 60 percent of the vote with 15,268. Ms. Plumeri and Mr. Gambino garnered 9,621 and 852 votes, respectively.
Also in this most recent election Republican Edward Gore, Dennis Pone, David Kenny and Ileana Schirmer won reelection to the Township Council over Democratic challengers Dan Keelan, Nina Melker and Joe Santo.
In remarks, Mayor Yaede acknowledged the difficult environment she found herself in when she was appointed to from the Township Council to serve as mayor after John Bencivengo, the previous mayor had resigned.
His resignation followed his conviction on federal corruption charges.
”I was ready and I didn’t hesitate to take the helm and lead Hamilton Township,” she said, touting initiatives over the past 12 months including implementing ethics reform, addressing how municipal employees and directors respond to constituent concerns and presenting a budget with a flat tax rate.
”I did not shy away from the difficult or sometimes controversial matters, and I did not seek to overlook the obstacles of the day and pass them onto tomorrow,” she said.
Looking ahead, she said the township needs to continue to make Hamilton an attractive destination for businesses, both big and small.
She also said she would go to the state, to discuss Hamilton’s energy tax receipts.
The matter was brought up during the campaign by Mr. Gambino, who expressed a desire to see the funds, which in the past have been paid to the township in lieu of property taxes, returned to Hamilton.
Mayor Yaede said to continue efforts to pursue any and all grant monies to offset costs, the township has secured a grant-writing firm.
”You can be sure that my administration will aggressively pursue each and every grant that Hamilton is entitled to,” she said. “Every grant dollar we receive that’s one less dollar that we have to take from the residents of Hamilton Township.”
She identified public safety as another ongoing issue of importance.
Though she pointed to previous successes, she emphasized several times during her remarks that more challenges and work lie ahead.
”I will not short change the investments that we must make in order to provide the same quality of life and the same opportunities which were afforded to the proud Hamiltonian that stands before you tonight,” she said. “Serving, and honored to be your mayor.”