By Peter Elacqua
Staff Writer
COLTS NECK – John O. Bennett III, who has served as Colts Neck’s municipal attorney for the more than 30 years, is leaving the position to become the business administrator in Lavallette, Ocean County.
Bennett made the announcement during the Feb. 22 meeting of the Colts Neck Township Committee.
In Lavallette, he will also serve as a member of the Planning Board.
Bennett served as Colts Neck’s Planning Board attorney for five years before beginning what became a 32-year tenure as the township attorney. He is a former longtime member of the New Jersey Legislature.
“My 32 years as the township attorney of Colts Neck were wonderful,” Bennett said. “I enjoyed watching a town develop in a manner that everyone connected with the town could walk away proud that they participated in something good.
“Colts Neck has always been a special place to me in my heart. Three of my four grandparents were born and raised here. My uncle was the first part-time police officer for the township and my brother and sister-in-law continue to live here and raise their children here.
“Over the years, I have had the honor and privilege of serving with some wonderful individuals who have always put Colts Neck before their personal agendas. Much of the groundwork that was done so many years ago has resulted in the fruits of success, creating a wonderful community.
“While other towns rush to expand infrastructure to seek additional ratables, Colts Neck held the mark and said no. Because of this planning for the future, the past has given us the semi-rural nature of the town we enjoy today,” Bennett said.
“On behalf of the town, John, thank you for 32 years which probably feels like 500,” Committeeman J.P. Bartolomeo said. “As everyone knows, I am newer here, but I never heard a bad thing and I am happy to say that we became friends outside of this as well. Thank you from the township.”
Municipal officials have not said who will succeed Bennett as the township attorney.