A spirit and theme of change was in the air when Dan Benson took his oath of office as the next Mercer County Executive.
He was officially sworn-in with family by his side inside Patriots Theater at the War Memorial in Trenton on Jan. 4 to begin a four-year term as county executive.
“Our goal is to bring new ideas and thoughtful innovation to county government. Our message has been clear leadership that works for everyone,” Benson said. “Today we take that first step in turning that vision into action.”
Dan Benson (left) swearing-in inside Patriots Theater at The War Memorial in Trenton.
This is the first time in 20 years that Mercer County has had a new county executive. Benson succeeds long-time and former County Executive Brian Hughes, who had served for five-terms in the position.
Benson won an overwhelming victory for county executive in the November general election against Republican candidate Lisa Richford.
“In the coming days, months and even years, we will face a lot of challenges, but we have built the relationships with people that transcend conflict and get results. In Mercer County if you have a great idea that make people’s lives better, I want to hear it,” Benson said adding that this administration will work tirelessly to make sure everyone has a seat at the table.
Top priorities for his administration will include getting Mercer County government’s financial house in order and ending waste with taxpayer dollars, bringing accountability and transparency back to county government, standing up for seniors and listening to those often forgotten.
“We will ensure quality county services are not only delivered in one place but are accessible by elevating them across all our county in every corner. Emphasizing that affordable housing is a key component of economic development in our county,” Benson explained.
“Upgrading our infrastructure and fixing our roads and bridges including building the long-awaited airport terminal at the Trenton Mercer Airport. Working with our public safety and health allies, we will continue to make our communities safe and healthy by addressing mental health and substance abuse with compassion and resolve.”
Benson also said his administration will continue to work and collaborate with the City of Trenton and expand tourism through restoration and opportunities for new development in addition to mayors and local municipal officials in the county.
“We will build strong partnerships with our legislatures and state government, and we will expand diversity and improve opportunities for local, and minority owned businesses to succeed and create jobs in our capital county,” Benson said.
“Diversity has always been one of Mercer County’s greatest strengths. It was the backbone of our movement and will continue to be the backbone of my administration.”
Benson served 12 years in the New Jersey State Legislature as an assemblyman for the 14th District, and also served as a Mercer County Freeholder (now Commissioner), and a councilman in Hamilton Township.
Benson was not the only Mercer County official sworn-in on Jan. 4. Commissioners Lucylle Walter and John Cimino each took their oaths of office for another three-year term on the Board of County Commissioners.
Commissioner Nina Melker nominated Cimino for the chair position. No other nomination was made by fellow commissioners and Cimino was unanimously elected chair for 2024.
John Cimino takes oath of office to become chair for 2024.
“I want to thank my colleagues for the trust they have placed in me to lead our board this year. It is an exciting opportunity to work with them and lead this group as a new day is dawning here in Mercer County,” Cimino said.
“Speaking of a new day I want to congratulate our new county executive. I’m excited to work collaboratively in the coming year to forge an even better Mercer County.”
For the position of vice chair on the board, Commissioner Cathleen Lewis nominated Commissioner Kristin McLaughlin. Fellow Commissioners did not make any further nominations for the position, and they voted unanimously in favor of McLaughlin to become the board’s next vice chair.
“I think we have an amazing team here of people with strong intellect, passion for the community, and very different experiences which will help us support our new county executive in moving this county forward and I’m thrilled about it,” she said.
“I know 2024 will be productive.”