COURT HOUSE – Incumbent Middle Township Committeeman and Mayor Timothy Donohue won reelection in November by a strong margin with 59 percent of the vote. At the reorganization meeting Jan. 6, Donohue was again designated mayor for a second term and saw that convincing win in the election as vindication of what he termed his “reform agenda.”
Freeholder Vice-Director Leonard Desiderio administered the oath of office to Donohue and to Daniel Lockwood, who was named deputy mayor.
Donohue thanked voters for their support, which “validated the hard work of the last three years” and called it a “rousing endorsement” of the committee’s agenda.
Committee said its major issues of 2015 are the annual budget, the township’s affordable housing challenge, and ongoing infrastructure projects.
Throughout the campaign in November a major concern was the increase in development across the township. New proposals before the planning board included a housing development adjacent to the Laguna Oaks Golf Course and two proposed mini-marts, along with the approved, but not yet implemented, expansion of Wal-Mart in Rio Grande. These will likely keep that issue a concern that could impact committee’s agenda.
Turning from ceremony to work, the governing body dispatched the long list of resolutions concerning reappointments, a temporary budget, reauthorization of contracts, renewal of licenses, and updating of salary ordinances. Those items are typical of any annual reorganization meeting.
In addition, committee deeded another building lot to Habitat for Humanity on Anna Street, Whitesboro. The $1 transfer of the property will allow the nonprofit organization to construct another single-family home. Habitat recently has built three homes in the municipality. The resolution requires that a single-family home be built on the property within the next 24 months.
As is customary, committee designated specific areas of responsibility to members.
Donohue serves as overall administrative executive and has special oversight for Recreation, Police, Senior Affairs, Zoning, Planning and Construction.
Lockwood oversees Public Works and related areas along with Financial Administration.
Committeeman Michael Clark has Legal Services, Emergency Management and Tax-related departments.
In a move to insure that elected officials remain current with changes in state laws, rules and regulations, committee also passed a resolution that requires those officials “to attend at least one course annually offered by the Rutgers University Center for Government Services” or some similar provider.
To contact Vince Conti, email vconti@cmcherald.com.
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