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Amato Wants To Be Sworn in at Berkeley Township Elementary School, Not Town Hall

Large crowd expected, Mayor-Elect says

 

 

New Years Day will mark the first time in more than twenty years that Berkeley Township will turn from a Democratic administration to one solidly under Republican control.

Township Council Vice-President and Mayor-Elect Carmen F. Amato is waiting for permission from Berkeley Board of Education and Township Council members to move the 2012 reorganization meeting from Town Hall to the Berkeley Township Elementary School.

Amato said today he plans to ask council members to approve the change at the Dec. 13 Township Council meeting.

"The four of us have pretty large families and since I'm the first Republican mayor in 20 years, we anticipate a larger than normal turnout," Amato said today.

Amato, 43, won the four-year mayor's term on Nov. 8, beating longtime Democratic Mayor Jason J. Varano by a narrow margin of 248 votes. Amato will be the township's first Republican mayor in 20 years.

"Obviously, after 20 years, there will be some major changes and without being specific, I will be bringing in like-minded people with me," he said after the election.

Amato said today that longtime Township Administrator Leonard W. Roeber had announced his retirement, effective on Dec. 31.

There will also be changes in some of the township professionals, although Amato declined to discuss specifics today.

Varano, 39, has served as Berkeley Township's mayor since he was 26. He was first appointed to fill out the remainder of the late Democratic Mayor Bill Zimmermann Jr.'s term in 1998, after Zimmermann died unexpectedly. Varano went on to win three full terms before his defeat on Nov. 8.

All three Republican council candidates easily defeated their Democratic challengers. John Bacchione was the top vote-getter, with 6,895 votes, followed by running mates Thomas Grosse and Robert Ray, with 6,568 votes and 6,469 votes, respectively.

The Township Council will be all-Republican on Jan. 1.

Amato said he is still working on the details about who will swear him and his running mates in. Longtime Freeholder and Berkeley schools Superintendent Joseph H. Vicari will be involved in a portion of the ceremony, Amato said.

Related Topics: Berkeley Township Elementary School, Berkeley Township news, Bill Zimmermann Jr., Carmen F. Amato Jr., Election 2011, Jason J. Varano, and Joseph H. Vicari

Pat Pizzi

5:32 pm on Friday, December 2, 2011

I applaud Carmen for using the school. For Carmen, it's not about the limelight! It's about caring for the people and the betterment of our Township. Carmen and his running mates pledged to hold the line on taxes, beautify Route 9, to get alternative energy, and keeping our street clean and safe. Let's work with his administration and hold The New Mayor's feet to the fire.

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morrissey

6:28 pm on Friday, December 2, 2011

Good to see the rats are finally jumping ship......After you clean up all the fraud, waste and corruption involved with varaNO, do whatever is necessary to LOWER THE DAMN PROPERTY TAXES

THIS IS YOUR ONLY MANDATE

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M'Linda Kula

1:15 am on Saturday, December 3, 2011

SHAME ON ALL OF THE AMERICAN CITIZENS WHO DID NOT GET OUT AND VOTE. YOU DO NOT HAVE ANY RIGHT TO COMPLAIN ABOUT WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT! MS. Pat Pizzi said it well---Hold their feet to the fire. FYI: A NEW tab " Political Watchdog " will be posted soon on : jonbenetstruecasehistory.com / Unite For Justice

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Steve

6:14 am on Saturday, December 3, 2011

Not being specific about what changes he wants to bring about? You won and don't know? Sounds like his who campaign, light on specifics, little clue. Go ask King George before you commit to anything to insure he signs off and gets his piece.

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mbh

9:44 am on Saturday, December 3, 2011

I find it very interesting that Mr Amato wishes to change where he will be sworn in. Isn't Town Hall representative and symbolic of where township business takes place? Maybe "the large families" could arrange an after party to celebrate somewhere else. This is not about his family it is about being a Mayor..Ater all our town business is not supposed to take place in our schools but in Town Hall..yes symbolism?

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Doris Cauda

1:35 pm on Saturday, December 3, 2011

What difference does it make where Carmen is sworn in? He won the election and it's his choice. Town Hall isn't big enough to hold many people. At the last swearing in, people were lining the walls. As far as "symbolism", that's bull. I accept Carmen's statement without looking for "hidden meanings" Carmen will be specific after he's sworn in. As far as Roeber, I'm surprised he had that job as long as he did. Anyone who went to a Town Hall meeting knows what I mean. It's going to be a New Administration and I'm looking forward to seeing the changes the Republicans will bring to our town. Good Luck Carmen and God bless.

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June

7:21 am on Sunday, December 4, 2011

As" one of the Ladies seated in the front row",so named bye bye Varano at the Town Hall meetings. I welcome the new changes,what ever they be, got to be one hello of an improvement of what we have endure thur the Baby Boy Varano saga.. As for Mr. Roeber,please exit now,surely won't be missed for his inablitity to speak clearly or directly to we the people with his head lowered most of the time while addressing who knows what issues and picking at his nails. OMG lol
What a blessings Berkeley Township is back on track. The peoples choice how sweet it is!! .Congradulations Carmen,John,Tom and Bob. Best wishes for the New Year 2012 and God bless.

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C. Peter Campbell

6:39 am on Thursday, December 22, 2011

It doesn't matter where Mr Amato is sworn into office. Those who object are the ones who didn't want him to be elected and are the ideologues who wanted more of the same with Mayor Varano who has definetely worn out his welcome and ability to govern. All the best wishes to our new Mayor and his new council members. Now Berkeley will be run the correct way.

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Robert Taurosa

8:36 pm on Thursday, December 22, 2011

Carmen Amato will lead Berkeley Township to growth and job creation and he will undo the damage caused by the Verano years! God Bless Carmen Amato!

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