Barbara Turning holds the Bible as her husband, Gerald Turning Sr., is sworn in as Tinton Falls mayor by Borough Clerk Maureen Murphy during the Jan. 7 reorganization meeting. KENNY WALTER/STAFF TINTON FALLS — After transitioning from borough police chief to business administrator, Gerald Turning Sr. managed yet another transition last week, as he assumed the mayor’s seat on the dais.
Turning, a 35-year borough employee, was sworn in during the borough’s Jan. 7 reorganization meeting, succeeding former Mayor Michael Skudera, who chose not to seek re-election.
“I want to thank the people of the borough of Tinton Falls for having confidence in me, in electing me their mayor,” Turning said.
In order to take over as mayor, Turning officially retired after a three-year stint as the borough’s business administrator.
He said in an interview that one of his first priorities as mayor will be to negotiate new contracts with the unions representing the majority of the borough’s 104 employees.
Another high priority will be the redevelopment of the 288 acres that make up the Tinton Falls portion of Fort Monmouth.
“We plan on moving forward as vigorously as we can in developing the property,” he said. “The way I see it, if we can develop these properties as quickly as possible, residents can see relief in their taxes.”
Turning ran unopposed during the Nov. 5 election. Also taking the oath of office were Councilman Scott Larkin, who will serve a second term, and first-time Councilman John Roche.
In August, Skudera announced he would not seek a second term, and instead endorsed Turning for mayor.
Turning, who has a degree in public administration, joined the Tinton Falls Police Department in 1981 and eventually served for 11 years as police chief.
In 2010, he announced his retirement as chief and, later that year, was appointed business administrator by Skudera.
Prior to being sworn in, Council President Gary Baldwin presented Turning with a framed photograph of the former hospital on Fort Monmouth, where Turning was born.
“Every time we go on the fort, he says ‘Hey, I was born on the fort,’ ” Baldwin said. “I thought, from one [Army] brat to another, why don’t I just do something for him?”
Larkin was next to be sworn in, and thanked residents for electing him to a second term.
“I’m excited to start a second term. I learned so much over the last four years,” he said.
Elected to the council in 2009, Larkin is currently the principal of the New Hanover Township School in Wrightstown, after previously serving as an assistant principal at Monmouth Regional High School.
Finally, Roche was sworn in to his first term on council.
“I am eager to make a positive contribution. I look forward to working with the mayor and the members of council,” he said.
Roche is currently a field service engineer for General Electric Healthcare and has been active in the borough as a Little League and recreation basketball coach.
Also during the meeting, Councilman Christopher Pak was elected deputy council president, replacing Councilman Scott Schertz.
Turning appointed Michael Muscillo as his replacement as borough administrator. Muscillo previously served as administrator in Lakewood, Hazlet and Long Branch.
Turning said Muscillo was one of five candidates who applied for the job and was hired because of his “experience, qualifications and education.”
His salary is $132,000 a year.
Also during the meeting, Stephen Pfeffer was reappointed finance director. However, Pfeffer’s tenure will only last until his April 30 retirement.
Starting April 1, Keyport Finance Director Thomas Fallon will join the borough during a transition period until he takes over for Pfeffer on May 1.
While he transitions from business administrator to mayor, Turning said he will continue to hold office hours at Borough Hall.
“Being retired gives me the availability to come in at any time,” he said.