By JENNIFER AMATO
Staff Writer
NORTH BRUNSWICK – Former North Brunswick Mayor Sylvester “Sal” Paladino has joined the Township Council to fill a seat vacated when Councilwoman Shanti Narra joined the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders last month.
“I’m very excited to be back,” Paladino said.
The former principal of John Adams Elementary School was sworn in during the Nov. 7 council meeting after being chosen unanimously by the governing body.
According to Township Attorney Ronald Gordon, due to the municipal vacancy law, a person can be appointed to fill the remainder of a term until the next general municipal election.
Since Narra’s term expires Dec. 31, 2018, a person will be put on the ballot in November 2017 to fill the 2018 seat. Then, in 2018, a full three-year term will be available beginning in January 2019.
Gordon said that since Narra was a nominee of the town’s Democratic party, the North Brunswick Democratic Organization was able to submit three names for the council to choose from.
“He’s got a great background,” Councilman Bob Davis said of Paladino, who had also served as interim council member in 2004.
Paladino officially joined the council immediately after his oath of office.
Contact Jennifer Amato at [email protected].