GOP Incumbents to be Sworn In for Twp. Committee

The Bernards Township Committee will retain its all-Republican status for 2013, with the swearing in of two GOP committee members who already have been serving — Carolyn Gaziano, returning for a second three-year term, and John Malay, re-elected last November to his fourth term.

The township's annual reorganization meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Wednesday, at the township municipal complex.

After being sworn in, by her fellow committee members. It will be her first term as mayor. The Republicans last November were re-elected over two Democratic candidates, Michael Komondy and David Ferdinand.

Township Committeeman is expected to be appointed as deputy mayor. Under the local form of government, the five-member Township Committee each January for a yearlong term.

Local custom is that the deputy mayor chosen each year moves up into the position of mayor the following year.

A long list of additional appointments are listed on the agenda to also be approved at the reorganization meeting.

That includes appointments to boards and commissions, including the environmental commission, the Planning Board and the Board of Adjustment, and committees such as the deer management advisory committee. Township Committee members will be appointed as liasions to those boards.

Professional appointments, such as the anticipated reappointment of longtime Township Attorney John Belardo, also are listed on the agenda.

Some special appointments include Hank Barre as Town Crier, Nicolas Sant Foster as Custodian of the Flag, and William Draper as Township Demographer.

The outgoing and incoming mayors typically give reports.