BY KATHY CHANG
Staff Writer
MONROE — Blaise Dipierro took his first elected seat behind the council dais just like his father did so many years ago.
Dipierro was sworn in for a one-year expired term for the Ward 2 seat at a Township Council meeting Jan. 4 in front of his family, friends and some dignitaries, which included Assemblyman Dan Benson (D-Mercer).
The seat was vacated by Gerald Tamburro when he became mayor last year. Dipierro was appointed in January of 2016 to fill the position and received 4,575 votes in the November election over Republican challenger Martin Herrmann, who registered 3,745 votes, to serve out Tamburro’s remaining term.
Ward 1 Councilwoman Betty Schneider said she knew from the moment she met Dipierro that he would be an excellent councilman, because of his roots and devotion to the town.
“I look forward to working with you for the rest of the year,” she said.
Dipierro was born and raised in Monroe Township. His family has lived on the same land for more than 100 years.
His father, Michael Dipierro, served as a Monroe Township councilman for 29 years and was elected as mayor in 1969.
Ward 3 Councilman Michael Leibowitz said Dipierro has done a wonderful job in the past year.
“I feel Ward 2 is well represented,” he said.
Council Vice President Stephen Dalina echoed similar sentiments about Dipierro, calling him a “man of integrity.”
“I look forward to working together as a team,” he said.
Dipierro said he would like to thank his family and friends, as well as Tamburro and the administration for their continued support.
“I am looking forward to another year on council,” he said.
Dipierro said during his campaign that the challenges that lie ahead demand experienced and responsible leadership, especially balancing the township’s taxes with services of police, EMS (emergency medical services), parks, recreation teams, senior activities and open space management.
He said he believes that continuing to provide a safe and financially sound community is the highest responsibility of an elected official.
“I will continue to work with the mayor and council to maintain one of the lowest municipal tax rates in Middlesex County by controlling our municipal spending and demanding efficient management of our municipal departments,” he said. “Monroe Township has been recognized as one of the safest communities in the country, and as a retired law enforcement officer, I am proud to stand with our police department as they serve and protect our residents.”
Contact Kathy Chang at kchang@gmnews.com.
