FREEHOLD – Municipal officials honored Nolan Higgins when his eight-year run as Freehold Borough’s mayor came to a close this month.
Higgins was saluted on Dec. 16 during the Borough Council’s final meeting of the year. His term will end on Dec. 31.
Higgins did not seek re-election this year and will be succeeded by Kevin Kane, who is the current council president.
Higgins is a lifelong resident of the borough who was elected mayor in November 2011 and took office in January 2012, succeeding Michael Wilson, who served as mayor for more than 25 years. Higgins was re-elected to a second term in November 2015.
“It has been an honor to serve as the 13th mayor of the Borough of Freehold,” Higgins said at the meeting. “I will never forget the confidence and support of our residents who allowed me to serve as mayor of this special community. During the past eight years, I had the pleasure of representing the borough at meetings, parades, eight graduations, school programs, anniversaries and ribbon cuttings.
“Nearly 400 office hours were held to allow residents an opportunity to speak directly with their mayor,” he continued. “I have performed almost 200 wedding ceremonies, including the marriage of my daughter and son-in-law, and had the privilege of administering the oath of office to our new police officers, police officers promoted to superior ranks, fire chiefs, and first aid officers.”
Higgins thanked the members of the council, borough employees and emergency services personnel for their work while he was mayor.
“I thank my fellow governing body members for their support over the past eight years,” he said. “My colleagues have been a source of both guidance and inspiration. We are fortunate to be served by a dedicated group of borough employees.
“Our public works department is out, making certain the water is flowing and the streets are passable, in extreme weather conditions, during summer’s severe storms and winter snow events. Our court, library, and code office are dedicated to the good of this community and provide valuable services.
“My thanks are extended to the outstanding Freehold Fire Department, whose dedicated members are ready to respond to protect lives and property in this municipality,” Higgins said. “Thanks to our police department who serve us all. These are not easy days to be in law enforcement, but our department rises to serve us, not only as law enforcement professionals, but as counselors and service providers to members of this community.
“There were many sleepless nights during these eight years, knowing our officers were detailed to very sensitive assignments, assignments that are, due to the nature of the call, not known to the public. Our officers serve with distinction and have my full respect as they perform their duties.”
Higgins also thanked Police Chief Craig Dispenza, Borough Clerk Traci DiBenedetto, the Borough Hall staff, Matt Young, Tara Brantley, Sharon O’Conner and Julissa Gelpi of the code enforcement office, municipal employees Shelly and Mary Caruso, Lynn Cannon, Pat Berg, Cathy Caruso, Rick Gartz, Pat Ruegger, Dominica Napolitano and Mike Sweetman, and the commissions and committees of the borough.
The mayor made note of other individuals who provided advice and support during his tenure, citing the board of the nonprofit organization Downtown Freehold and its Executive Director and Business Advocate Jeff Friedman, Monmouth County Administrator Teri O’Connor, the Monmouth Board of Freeholders, the Township Committee in Freehold Township and Freehold Township Administrator Pete Valesi.
Additionally, Higgins thanked Business Administrator Joseph Bellina, who is retiring on Dec. 31, and Borough Attorney Kerry Higgins.
“Our attorney, Kerry Higgins, has guided our decision making with advice and counsel,” Higgins said. “I am always amazed by the breadth of knowledge required of a municipal attorney and I thank Kerry for her service during the past eight years.
“Many times, I have looked out from this position and wished our Higgins, Dugan, Cummings and McCue ancestors from generations back could see their descendants serving as mayor and borough attorney.
“To the person I speak to several times a day … our administrator Joe Bellina. Joe has been a mentor, a counselor, a sounding board and a friend. We have talked through difficult decisions, stood together on darkened streets following many storms, planned our response to snow emergencies, stood with our residents who were wondering what to do next after a tree crashed through their roof, visited residents following damages and outages, and executed the day-to-day operations of this municipality.
“Joe, you have my heartfelt thanks and best wishes as you conclude your service to the borough. I wish you and (your wife) Linda much happiness,” Higgins said.
Higgins also praised the staff of the Higgins Memorial Home, which he owns in the borough.
“I thank our staff at my other position who made it possible for me to be mayor for eight years,” he said. “They have covered for me while I was at meetings, on the telephone, attended events, and left the office saying I wouldn’t be long, only to return hours later. Mark Sweeney, Chad Doherty, Nick Macri, Gene Kutch and Richard Mount have my thanks and gratitude for their support and work during my two terms.”
Near the end of his comments, Higgins gave thanks to his family.
“I thank my family,” he said. “Our daughters, Jessica and Alli, son-in-law, R.J., my brother Greg and his wife Eileen, their children, Emily and James, our grandchildren, Bexley, Callie, Benjamin, and William. Bexley has been with us from the start of my terms. R.J., Callie, Benjamin and William, to my great joy, came along during this time as mayor.
“Finally, my thanks to my wife, Chris, whose support, encouragement and advice from the beginning made it possible for me to serve. Both at home and at our office, Chris provided the opportunity for me to be here. I will miss all that has been part of this wonderful time. Yes, there were difficult days, but this has been an experience I will always recall with great fondness and happiness.”
Higgins concluded by wishing “all the best to Mayor-elect Kane and our governing body as we move forward to a new time in the life of our hometown.”
In recognition of Higgins’ service to Freehold Borough, a resolution in his honor was read by Kane before it was passed by council members.
“J. Nolan Higgins served as mayor with great dignity and distinction,” Kane said. “The governing body honors J. Nolan Higgins for making a difference in our community, for his dedicated and distinguished service for the residents of Freehold Borough and for all that he means to this beloved town.”
Councilwoman Sharon Shutzer said, “You left your mark on Freehold Borough and we certainly are better people because of it.”
Wilson, the former mayor, was in attendance and told Higgins, “Eight years ago, you had big shoes to fill. You did a great job. You should be very proud. The residents of Freehold Borough are very proud of you.”