RED BANK – Democrats Kathleen Horgan and Erik Yngstrom have been sworn in as municipal officials in Red Bank.
During Red Bank’s annual reorganization meeting on Jan. 1, Horgan and Yngstrom began serving new three-year terms as Borough Council members. State Sen. Vin Gopal (D-Monmouth) administered the oath of office to Horgan and Yngstrom.
State Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling (D-Monmouth) and Tammy Murphy, New Jersey’s first lady, were also present for the reorganization of the borough’s government.
Horgan and Yngstrom are joined by Councilman Michael Ballard, Councilman Hazim Yassin, Councilman Edward Zipprich and Councilwoman Kate Triggiano on the governing body. Democrats hold a 6-0 majority on the council.
“Here’s to a great 2020 from all of us,” Murphy said. “On behalf of Phil and myself, clearly this re-election (of Horgan and Yngstrom) proves Red Bank is doing things right … I am in Red Bank every day and it’s an incredibly vibrant town. I’m just so proud of Red Bank.”
Murphy commended the borough’s volunteer fire department, saying, “To each of you and all who work together with you, thank you.”
Following her remarks, Mayor Pasquale Menna administered the oaths of office to Fire Chief F. Scott Calabrese, First Deputy Chief Robert J. Holiday and Second Deputy Chief Nick Ferraro.
In his mayoral remarks, Menna said the council would “do things differently” in 2020.
Once a month, Menna said, he would reserve time before scheduled council meetings to meet with people who would like to further discuss municipal matters. He said, “some council members have said, ‘you’re taking on a lot more,’ but I’d like to do that.”