South River council president resigns, replaced by Republican candidate for council

SOUTH RIVER–With the unexpected resignation of Council President Raymond Eppinger, the governing body appointed Republican Jason Oliveria as its newest member.

“Eppinger was going to finish his term and then sell his house which was too big for his wife and him. Someone came along and made a very good offer. He took the offer and has moved to Woodbridge. Because he left town, he had to resign,” Mayor John Krenzel said.

After accepting Eppinger’s resignation, the council nominated Oliveria as its newest council member during the July 19 council meeting.

Oliveria was the Republican candidate for the primary in June.

Administering the Oath of Office, Borough Clerk Susan Minock swore Oliveria into his newly appointed seat on the council.

The council voted and appointed Councilman Tony Ciulla as the new council president.

Four South River candidates are running for the two open seats on the Borough Council in November. Election Day is on Nov. 2.

Democratic candidates Margaret Kenny and David Pizzuto will face off against Oliveria and incumbent Republican Peter Guindi for each three-year term.

Oliveria, 34, has been a lifelong resident who, after completing his master’s program, resided in Savannah, Georgia, for a short time and then moved back to his roots in South River.
“First and foremost I’d like to thank the mayor and council for the support for the remainder of the year. I’d also like to congratulate the Eppinger family on beginning a new chapter in life. I know it wasn’t easy for Eppinger, but he will be missed,” Oliveria said.
“To the borough residents, as I was sitting and reflecting on what I wanted to discuss at this meeting … one of the things I really pride myself on with my students and my staff is, I am a big fan of Stephen Covey.
“One of his books I really enjoy is called ‘The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People’ and one of the habits he states is: seek first to understand, then to be understood. My job for the rest of the year is to fill Eppinger’s role [and] to understand the issues that are working, what’s not working. Once we have the information I look forward to bringing new ideas to the borough,” Oliveria said.
Oliveria is the director of Educational Opportunity Programs at Seton Hall University.

 

For more information, visit www.southtmlhrivernj.org/SR-TV.

Contact Vashti Harris at [email protected].