JACKSON – The members of the Jackson Township Council honored Barry Calogero, a former council president, during a recent meeting.
Calogero resigned from the council on May 13 in his seventh year of service on the governing body.
He said his job as the executive director for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency in New Jersey and his ongoing battle with Parkinson’s disease led to his decision to step down from the dais.
On Aug. 25, council President Alex Sauickie said the members of Jackson’s governing body wanted to honor Calogero, but had not had the opportunity to do so with COVID-19 restrictions that were previously in place.
Members of the public were permitted to attend the Aug. 25 meeting. Calogero was present at the municipal building.
Sauickie said Calogero “is Jackson’s adopted son from Queens, N.Y. He met the love of his life, Gina, when they were in Queens and thankfully moved to Jackson. Whether he realizes it or not, he really affected a lot of people’s lives, particularly inspiring several of us up here, myself included, to serve in public office.”
“I had the honor of meeting Barry about six years ago. I got to watch what he was doing in town. He was nice enough to mentor me and to take me under his wing, and a few years later I am doing what I always wanted to do – serving this town. I certainly have had Barry as an example,” Sauickie said.
The council members presented Calogero with a plaque which noted his years of service, 2013-20, his time as council president, 2019-20, and as council vice president, 2014-19.
The council members also presented Calogero with his parking space sign, his nameplate from his time on the dais and his mailbox from the municipal clerk’s office.
“The last eight years have been a true honor to serve the people of Jackson. I left the township in great hands, you guys are doing a great job; continue doing it. And to the residents, don’t forget to vote for these gentleman in November,” Calogero said.
Mayor Michael Reina said Calogero’s contributions left a footprint for others to follow.