Pierson Takes Freeholder Oath, Board Returns to Capacity

CREST HAVEN – Jeffrey Pierson of Upper Township added a new title to a long list Oct. 25: freeholder. Pierson took the oath of office from County Clerk Rita Fulginiti at a regular freeholder meeting. Behind him was his extended family, which filled most of the front of the room behind him. 
The latest title obtained with that oath came as a result of county Republican committee members voting at a convention Oct. 12. Its sole purpose was to select someone to fill the unexpired term of Kristine Gabor, who resigned to relocate to another state.
The title joins others Pierson has gathered along life’s path: including retired Army brigadier general, doctor, committeeman, Eagle Scout and at one time, undersheriff, among many others.
Pierson’s most recent county association was as Veterans’ Bureau supervisor of veterans’ interment.
He received an honorary doctorate of letters from Fairleigh Dickinson University earlier this year.
“Pierson’s honorary doctorate is an acknowledgment of his accomplishments and achievements that serve a greater good. Pierson served 42 years in the Army, is an alumnus of Fairleigh Dickinson University and continues to work with a host of civic organizations in South Jersey,” according to a resolution passed in May by the Upper Township Committee.
Pierson submitted his resignation as Upper Township Committeeman Oct. 24. That governing body will embark on the task of filling the vacant seat.
His grandsons, Tenderfoot Scouts Matthew Delgrande and Mark Threet, held the Bible upon which Pierson placed his left hand while taking the oath.
Pierson took the time to introduce all family members who had joined him at the ceremony, then stepped on the dais where board members greeted him. The seat he occupied was in the same location where Gabor sat, between Freeholder Will Morey and Clerk of the Board Elizabeth Bozzelli.
All was set for him to join the board, except a nameplate, which temporarily was made from a folded manila folder with “Mr. Pierson” in black marker.
Pierson will serve until Dec. 31, 2017. Should he decide to seek election, he would have to go through the primary election process to win party backing. Should that be received, it is likely he would run with Morey, should Morey wish to seek another term.