By Gene Robbins, Managing Editor
Frank DelCore has returned to the mayor’s chair for a fourth time.
The nine-year Township Committeeman was elected by his governing body colleagues. He fidgeted in settling into the captain’s chair at the center of the dais, noting “it’s been a few years” since he was mayor in 2009, 2010 and 2013.
Carl Suraci, sworn in by Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli to begin his fifth three-year term, was elected deputy mayor. In both cases, the vote was 4-0, with Gloria McCauley absent.
Greg Burchette, re-elected in November, took the oath for a second three-year term.
All five members of the governing body are Republicans.
Mr. DelCore presented Douglas Thomson, the mayor the last two years, with a gavel set as a “thank you” gift for serving “with honor and distinction” in the last two years in the mayor’s chair.
He commended Mr. Tomson for bringing more social media emphasis — “some of us kicking and screaming” — to the township’s ways of communicating with its citizens.
Mayor DelCore looked back on 2015 as a year in which Hillsborough was named by Money Magazine as one of “100 Best Places to Live.” It was the only New Jersey town on the list in 2015, he noted.
He also noted the extension of sewer service to the Winding Way area off Willow Road, the dedication of Veterans Way monument at the driveway entrance to the municipal complex, opening of a dog park at Ann Van Middlesworth Park and a municipal budget kept under the 2 percent on property tax levy increase for the fifth consecutive year.
He said the township cannot rest on its laurels but had to look for even more economies in spending. He noted the Manville municipal court will begin to share the courtroom and judge’s time this year.
The year 2016 begins with change in the police department, with an imminent new chief and captain, following retirements. There will also be a new director of recreation, parks and social services, and a new business advocate to replace the retired Gene Strupinsky.
The mayor said the township was ready to work with the county to “aggressively manage” the conversion of the former Belle Mead federal GSA depot to a regional Mountain View Park.
He said the township would continue to resurface roads ravaged by past winters and develop a three-year plan on improving infrastructure.
Mr. DelCore said he would “work diligently and ceaselessly, always in the best interest of Hillsborough.”
Mr. Suraci will continue to chair the finance committee, and Ms. McCauley public safety and courts. Mr. Burchette will take on planning, zoning, engineering and buildings, and Mr. Tomson will head the recreation, parks and social services areas.
The Township Committee will continue to meet on the second and fourth Tuesday nights of any month, with its next two meetings next week, Jan. 12, and again on Jan. 29.
If you want to plan ahead, the 2017 reorganization meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 4, at 7 p.m.
Editor’s note: This article was edited on Monday, Jan. 11, to correctly note that Mr. DelCore will begin his fourth term as mayor.
