The new year brought a new mayor to Tabernacle Township, as Joseph Barton was sworn in at the township committee’s annual reorganization meeting on Jan. 2.
“I look at reorganization meetings as a time of gladness and a time of gratitude,” Barton said. “I look forward to the challenges. We moved here in 1979, and my father thought we were crazy because he lived in Philadelphia and my mother was from Camden, but it’s a great town. It’s the best kept secret in New Jersey.”
Barton credited his wife, two sons and grandchildren for allowing him to be where he is now.
“I thank my family, I love them dearly,” Barton said.
Stephen Lee, who served as the township’s mayor in 2013, will serve as the deputy mayor in 2014.
“It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve as mayor in 2013, I’m very proud of the work we’ve done in 2013,” Lee said. “I know that work will continue this year, and I’m looking forward to serving and working with Joe and the rest of the committee.”
Barton took time to recognize the rest of the committee as well as the township staff.
“Doug, you’re the pillar of the township. The guy we always go to,” Barton said to township administrator Doug Cramer. “I thank the rest of the committee, and I look forward to working with them. They are committed to working hard for the township.”
Committeewoman Kim Brown nominated both Barton and Lee to their respective positions, and both were unanimously voted in.
Township solicitor Peter Lange swore in Committeemen Joseph Yates and Lee, who both ran unopposed in November’s election.
“We had a very interesting 2013,” Yates said. “We still have a few things on the table that are ongoing into this year. I think Stephen did a wonderful job as mayor, and I know Joe will as well.”
In other news:
• Lange and the Alaimo Group will remain the township’s solicitor and engineer respectively.
“It is a valued privilege to serve, very much my privilege,” Lange said. “I appreciate the confidence you demonstrate in me every year to continue to do the job and work with a great group of people and a terrific town. I very much appreciate it.”
• Lynne Hedden was appointed president of the Tabernacle Athletic Association. She will serve a one-year term that will expire Dec. 31.
• The township will hold its next meeting on Monday, Jan. 27 at 8 p.m. in town hall.
