Buccellato, Fitzsimmons and Urbano Sworn in for Another Term

Mayor Paul Buccellato and Councilmen Thomas Fitzsimmons and Joseph Urbano were sworn in for another term at the Matawan Borough reorganization meeting Jan. 1. In Matawan, a mayoral term is four years while a councilman term is three.

Each individually stood at the front of the packed room, accompanied by their families, and took an oath to faithfully and impartially serve residents while upholding the values of the Constitution.

"It's certainly an honor an a privilege for Mr. Fitzsimmons and Mr. Urbano, as well as myself, to serve the residents as mayor and councilman," Mayor Paul Buccellato said.

Buccellato commended the council for their successes in the past year, such as establishing a and reopening . The council also used this opportunity to look forward to projects for 2012.

Buccellato said that the council will discuss and act upon an incentive program for building repairs and improvements for businesses on Main Street as a way to encourage growth. The council also plans to discuss ways to better utilize and improve Gravely Brook Park, issue a semi-annual newsletter about the borough and reevaluate the land designated for redevelopment near the train station.

"We are committed to being financially responsible in Matawan by entering into shared services, inter-local agreements and cross training employees. Our train Station redevelopment must continue. Matawan and Aberdeen must come together to make this work," Urbano said. "We are committed to continue the upgrades to roads that have been missed in the 2012 road program."

"Like a living creature, Matawan grows and changes constantly," Buccellato said, stressing the importance of staying in direct contact with residents to identify their needs. He plans to hold office hours for residents on the first Wednesday of each month, as his work schedule permits, he said.

Councilwoman Toni Angelini was also sworn in as the Council President for a one year term, a position previously held by Councilman Andy Lopez. Councilwoman Donna Gould will head the Peronnel, Redevelopment, Main Street, Construction, Community Affairs Committee; Councilman Thomas Fitzsimmons will head the Finance, Sanitation/Recycling Committee; Councilman Andy Lopez will head the Fire, First Aid, Environmental, Planning/Zoning, Shade Tree Committee; Councilwoman Toni Angelini  will head the Police, Railroad Parking, Library Committee; Councilman Joseph Urbano will head the Public Works, Water/Sewer, Property Maintenance Committee; and Councilwoman Linda Clifton will head the Recreation, Historic Sites, Technology Committee.

T&M Associates, with Robert Keady, PE as their Matawan representative, will serve for another year as the borough's engineering services. Attorney Pasquale Menna will continue to serve as the borough attorney and Barbara Bascom will continue to serve as part-time borough administrator.