Independent politician Anthony Talerico Jr. and Democrats Jasmine Story and Lisa Murphy have assumed their new roles and started their duties in Eatontown’s municipal government.
Talerico was elected mayor and Story and Murphy were elected to the Borough Council in the Nov. 6 election.
During Eatontown’s annual reorganization meeting on Jan. 1, Talerico took the oath of office and began serving a four-year term as mayor. He previously served three three-year terms as a council member.
Borough Clerk Julie Martin administered the oath of office to Talerico while his mother held the Bible.
After Talerico was sworn in as mayor, state Superior Court Judge Andrea I. Marshall administered the oath of office to Murphy and state Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling administered the oath of office to Story.
The council terms are for three years.
After taking their seats on the dais, Story and Murphy participated in their first roll call vote and helped to elect Councilwoman Patricia May Kelly as the council president for 2019.
State Sen. Vin Gopal administered the oath of office to Kelly, who is serving her first term on the governing body and served as council president in 2018.
Kelly initially sought the mayor’s seat on the Democratic ticket, but withdrew her bid for mayor two weeks before the Nov. 6 election.
The other members of the council are Democrats Al Baginsky and Jennifer Sherrod. There is currently a vacant seat on the council which is expected to be filled by an appointment in the near future.
In his remarks, Talerico said, “I’m very thankful for the honor to be elected as mayor. I was born in this town. I went to all the schools. I was almost arrested by Sgt. Miller in sixth grade … I can’t even describe the honor of being elected so I am not going to try. I’m just going to say thank you.
Talerico welcomed Story and Murphy to the governing body and said he was eager to work with them as members of the council.
He thanked former councilwoman Virginia East, who concluded her service on the governing body in 2018, noting the accomplishments she spearhead as a municipal official.
Talerico commended Republican Dennis J. Connelly, who served one term as mayor from 2015-18, saying “He spent his entire adult life in public service. That commitment will be missed and will not easily be replaced.”
Connelly served as an elected official for 10 years and previously worked as an Eatontown police officer, Talerico said.
Speaking about future development in town, Talerico addressed the Planning Board’s approval of a redevelopment plan for the Monmouth Mall.
The redevelopment of the property at the intersection of Route 35, Route 36 and Wyckoff Road will include the construction of 700 apartments.
“That (approval) is now the subject of litigation,” Talerico said. “Once that matter is resolved, the final step is to produce a solid developer’s agreement … Here is where the governing body has the opportunity to promote strong, healthy commercial development.”
Talerico noted several properties in Eatontown where development will take place to help satisfy the municipality’s state mandated obligation to provide opportunities for the development of affordable housing.
The new mayor also noted improvements that could be made to the Bliss Price Arboretum and Wildlife Sanctuary and to municipal parks.
He touched upon rent control in Eatontown, saying, “The repeal of rent control came with a promise that apartment owners would be able to start investing into their properties and provide better and more modern amenities for residents. It’s been a few years since (rent control) was repealed. … The council should form an effective dialogue with apartment owners to ensure that residents are experiencing the benefits promised.”
Talerico said he supports placing Class III special law enforcement officers (armed police officers) in schools, saying, “This is a sad discussion to have, but it is one that is necessary in today’s world.”
An increased police presence in public parks has been advocated for by members of the police committee, he said.
Finally, Talerico said a portion of 2019 will be dedicated toward planning the borough’s 350th anniversary in 2020.
