Aberdeen's Mayor, Council Members Take Oaths

Aberdeen's mayor and two council members were sworn in to their offices when the governing body reorganized earlier this month. 

Mayor Fred Tagliarini, a Democrat who took office in 2009, defeated Republican challenger Augustine T. Toomey during the November election and took his oath of office—administered by Congressman Frank Pallone—during the Jan. 4 meeting. 

Council incumbent Margaret M. Montone and newcomer Joseph J. Martucci, both Democrats, also were sworn in. 

Montone, who was elected to the governing body in 2009 and became Deputy Mayor in 2012, will continue in that role in 2014, according to a township news release. 

Outgoing council member James Lauro, who declined to seek re-election in 2013 after serving his four-year term on the council, was thanked by the township for his more than 40 years of service to Aberdeen, according to the news release. 

Lauro started with the township as a public works laborer in 1976 and moved his way up to director in 1986. He won a seat on the council after retiring. 

"He has faithfully served in each of these positions with character, honesty and in the best interest of our citizens and thank him for his years of service," Tagliarini said in a statement. 

The council also named Pat Egan as its 2013 Citizen of the Year for his service to the Matawan-Aberdeen Babe Ruth League where he has served as president since 2003.