Tighe Chosen President, Feeley takes Oath, Sea Isle City Council Reorganizes

SEA ISLE CITY – This resort’s City Council held a July 1 re-organization and made other appointments. 
Girl Scout Troop 41012 led the large gathering in the Pledge of Allegiance, and each scout received a “Flag Ceremony” merit badge for this culmination of their work towards the badge.
In opening the meeting, Mayor Leonard Desiderio said, “Everyone here doesn’t always agree, but we all work together for the betterment of Sea Isle. This is not always the case as we see in our nation and throughout the state and we need more people like we have on council here.”
Newly-elected J.B. Feeley took his oath of office from Superior Court Judge James Pickering. He said, “After 44 years of marriage the first person I need to thank is my wife. I want to keep the smile in Sea Isle and will work hard for everybody in this great town.”
Returning Council members, Mary Tighe and John Gibson, took their oaths of office from Desiderio.
“Jack [John Gibson] has been my mentor for many years, and he works so hard for Sea Isle,” said Desiderio. “Mary is so hard-working, and I expect her to be a freeholder or Assembly representative one day,” he added. 
Council unanimously selected Tighe to serve as its president for the coming year.
In remarks, Gibson said that he was taking the oath on a Bible held by his great-grandson, Nathan, and he was honored by the faith and trust the people of Sea Isle have placed in him and all council.
Council passed a resolution honoring John Divney for his 10 years of service on the council.
Tighe, in her new capacity as president, read the resolution commending Divney for his three terms on council and three terms serving as president; working on the blueprint for the “Beach to the Bay” project; serving as council liaison to the Planning Board and also working on the Tourism Commission. “He has been the grease in the axle and would always find new ways to accomplish something if one plan would not work, always on behalf of the citizens of Sea Isle,” declared Desiderio. “We sometimes had our battles, but I always went to John first for his advice as a wiser man,” said Committee member Frank Edwardi. 
Council passed resolutions, appointing Edwardi to the Planning Board for a one-year term; another re-appointing Edwardi to the Tourism Commission for a one-year term; and another awarding a contract for city Solicitor to incumbent Paul Baldini.
During the public comment portion of the meeting, Frank Costello, representing a group that honors the memories of fallen and injured Marines and sailors, asked for council’s support and permission to place posters on the promenade for an upcoming activity.
Permission was granted, and the gathering showed its approval by sustained applause for Costello’s work.
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.