First Official Judicial Act: Administer Oaths to Freeholder, County Clerk

CREST HAVEN ­– Superior Court Judge Michael Donohue’s first official act after joining the judiciary was to administer oaths of office Jan. 6 to Freeholder Vice Director Leonard Desiderio and to County Clerk Rita Fulginiti.
It was a parting of the ways, in a sense, because Donohue, former Cape May County Republican Party chairman can no longer participate in partisan politics. The two who recited oaths after him were longtime friends and political allies, which was mentioned by Freeholder Director Gerald Thornton.
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Thornton recalled five years prior, when a different faction headed the local GOP, that Donohue was one who helped build momentum that ultimately resulted in Thornton becoming freeholder director. He and M. Susan Sheppard ran a successful campaign, putting the party is a new direction.
Subsequently, Sheppard became surrogate after long-serving surrogate W. Robert Hentges opted not to seek reelection. E. Marie Hayes was selected to take Sheppard’s freeholder seat, one reason being that both are Ocean City residents.
Desiderio was surrounded by his wife, daughter and parents as he raised his right hand to repeat the brief oath. It was the start of his sixth freeholder term.
Following the solemnity, the document bearing signatures of the officiant and oath taker, had to be signed. Donohue used the higher dais to sign his name. Desiderio, somewhat shorter than the judge, had to use a lower portion by County Counsel James Arsenault. On doing do, Desiderio, in jest remarked about needing a lower writing platform.
“We’ll put a little table out there next time,” replied Thornton. That brought a round of laughter from virtually everyone in the room.
In light of judicial protocol, Donohue could not applaud any remarks made at the ceremony.
Desiderio introduced his family, noting “This is why the mail gets screwed up.” His father, Leonard Desiderio Sr., a Korean War veteran, was cited by Thornton as one of those service made possible a ceremony such as the won just witnessed. Next, he introduced his mother, Carmel, then his wife, Carmella and daughter, Carmella.
“Sometimes it’s an advantage,” said the newly-sworn vice director. “The bills go to my parents and they pay ‘em.”
Looking toward Sheriff Gary Schaffer, Desiderio said, “The sheriff said there are two ways to run, unopposed and scared. Unopposed is much better.” He had no Democratic opponent in the November election.
He lauded county and municipal workers. Then he singled out the law enforcement officers and first responders. “Give them a round of applause,” he said.
A group of municipal police chiefs from throughout the county sat united in the second row. One of Desiderio’s assignments is director of public safety, which oversees County Prosecutor, Public Safety Training Center and Sheriff’s departments.
“These fine men and women protect us day in and out. They are our first line of defense. America is changing. We want these people to know in Cape May County, we have your back 150 percent. We support you and will always support you. Thank you for the job you do protecting us. Thank you. We have your back.” Applause erupted.
Of Thornton, Desiderio said he is a “special person who goes above and beyond for an elected official. He is there for each of us…He knows the word no. The word no is very important. It’s easy to say yes, yes, I can get you a job; yes to this or that, but there are times when you have to say no.”
Fulginiti, the 26^th county clerk since the county’s founding, entered her third five-year term. Looking back over the centuries, she noted while much has changed, “Traditions and values and the dignity of the office stays the same.”
Her office, in 2015, took in from various functions $28 million, some of that in real estate transaction fees. She said the department looks forward to several new systems to better serve real estate and legal professionals. Among other business she anticipates are renewals of many passports.
“We are going to be busy,” said Fulginiti.