Mayor Louis Manzo, the committee and community recognized Clowney for his selfless dedication to Harrison Township at the Dec. 4 meeting
Deputy Mayor Dennis Clowney has served on the Harrison Township Committee for 12 years, a dedication that was recognized by Mayor Louis Manzo, the committee and the community at last week’s meeting on Monday, Dec. 4. Honored with a surprise proclamation presented by Manzo, Clowney’s contributions and accomplishments during his years of selfless service to the township were acknowledged.
Since Clowney was first elected to the Harrison Township Committee in 2005, he has served as deputy mayor for approximately nine years, as well as mayor during the months Manzo had stepped down last year. Throughout his time on the committee, Clowney served as a liaison to the Veterans Commission and Recreation Commission, oversaw public property and public works, and had a hand in valuable initiatives, as well as contributed to numerous community projects. Outside of the committee, Clowney volunteered his time through years of coaching youth soccer, as well as served his fellow veterans as commander of the local American Legion Post 452.
“Dennis stands as the epitome of a public servant, a benchmark against how all public servants should be measured,” Manzo read from the proclamation. “His service to this body and to this community will live on through his many contributions and his countless accomplishments.”
Clowney did not seek re-election this year. At the reorganization meeting, scheduled for Jan. 2, Clowney will be replaced by Julie DeLaurentis, who won the full-term position in the Nov. 7 general election.
“I’ve just been honored and humbled to serve the township for 12 years,” Clowney said. “I appreciate the support of the town and the committees in the past to be able to stay here this long.”
The proclamation recognized Clowney’s knowledge, professionalism, enthusiasm and “unending dedication” to Harrison Township. Members of the committee showed admiration and appreciation for Clowney’s commitment to the community, which took time from his life, his job and his family “in the name of public service.”
“The fortitude you have, and the patience to the last 12 years is amazing,” Committeeman Jeffrey Jacques said. “When I ran for office, I wanted to look at myself as a public servant, and I would say you’re a true model of what a public servant should be.”
Following the meeting, a small gathering was held at the American Legion in Clowney’s honor to celebrate his time serving the community.
“He’s the most unselfish man I know of; he serves the township to the best of his ability, which is a great amount of ability,” Committeeman Vince Gangemi said. “You deserve all of the credit you’re getting tonight and more.”
In other news:
• Township Administrator Mark Gravinese announced Manzo’s acceptance to the Mayor’s Hall of Fame by the New Jersey League of Municipalities. Manzo was inducted at the silver level, having served for 10 or more years.
• The committee voted unanimously to change the committee meeting start time from 7:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., beginning in the new year. The reorganization meeting will remain at 7 p.m. on Jan. 2.
