PETERSBURG – Upper Township held its annual reorganization Jan. 6 beginning with a presentation of colors by Boy Scout Troop 95 led by Scoutmaster John Castaldi.
Alanna Grace Palombo sang and Monsignor Peter Joyce of the Parish of St. Maximilian Kolbe gave the invocation and Benediction.
Mayor Richard Palombo was sworn for his 17th year in that office having served two prior years on committee. His running mate, Edward Barr, was also sworn for another term as deputy mayor.
Both will serve in those positions for three years and took their oaths from Freeholder Kristine Gabor, who had served on Upper Township Committee before election as freeholder.
All three officials pointed out what an honor and privilege it was to serve their communities and were working hard to continue to make them a great place to live and work.
“Ed Barr has been a great asset to Upper and a great help to me, we’re setting goals high and want to improve Upper so that it stays the great place it is,” said Palombo.
He also singled out Committee member Hobart Young, responsible for Public Works, for the exceptional work done under his leadership including the lighting and condition of grounds at Amanda’s Field and the three special community events he spearheaded: Easter Egg Hunt, Fourth of July celebration and the Harvest Fest.
Palombo and Barr took oaths of office surrounded by family including grandchildren, one of whom held the Bible on which they were sworn into office.
“I want to thank my family for being here; my father (Aldo Palombo) is here who is a former mayor of North Wildwood. Now we call him the mayor of Osprey Point,” joked Palombo.
For his part, Barr thanked his family for their patience and support as he carried out his duties, “Especially when I come home and share some of the aggravations,” he quipped.
In remarks summing up the accomplishments of his administration in 2015, Palombo noted that working with the mayors of Sea Isle City and Ocean City, Leonard Desiderio and Jay Gillian respectively, to obtain more sand after the nor‘ester Joaquin in October was a highlight.
“We all worked with elected officials higher than we are such as U.S. Rep. (Frank) LoBiondo (R-2nd) and Sen. (Jeff) Van Drew (D-1st) to obtain additional sand for the replenished sand that washed away because of Joaquin. It was a great team effort with the Army Corps of Engineers and at no cost to us, Sea Isle or Ocean City. The sand is coming from the inlet between Strathmere and Ocean City so that will make it easier for boaters to go through as well. We’re really hoping that Mother Nature cooperates this winter so that we don’t get any big storms and the sand will stay in place,” said Palombo.
Palombo described efforts he and committee have made to ensure the township’s budget stays as low as possible and gives maximum value to residents.
“We have a number of shared services agreements such as the invaluable animal shelter we run as well as vehicle maintenance for the county, emergency services with Ocean City, secretarial services with Dennis and municipal courts with Dennis and Corbin City.”
“I also want to congratulate our Solicitor Daniel Young who has negotiated new leases with service providers Sprint, AT&T and Verizon that use our radio tower which will provide for significant new funds and help the Township coffers,” Palombo added.
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.
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