Councilman Ron Rocco and Mike Buchanan were reelected this past November to Berlin Borough Council and sworn in earlier this month
The Berlin Borough Council held its 91st reorganization meeting Saturday, Jan. 5, in the borough courtroom to swear in the two winners of this past November’s election to their three-year terms.
Ron Rocco and Michael Buchanan won reelection after running unopposed for the two open council seats. Both councilmen were sworn in surrounded by family and friends.
In attendance also were Assemblyman Joseph Howarth, representing the 8th Legislative District in the General Assembly, and former Mayor Millard Wilkinson Jr., who served as mayor from 1980 to 1999.
Nominated and appointed as council president was Councilman Jim Pearce. Mayor Jim Bilella also appointed councilmen to committees with a unanimous confirmation from council.
Councilman Len Badolato will lead Buildings, Parks and Recreation; Dan MacDonnell will lead Public Works, Streets and Roads; Rocco will lead Water and Sewer; Pearce will lead Public Safety; Buchanan will lead Finance and Rick Miller will lead Communications.
After appointments to the multiple boards and departments and resolutions were passed, Wilkinson took to the podium during public comment to remind the councilmen of the importance of their jobs and the power they hold.
Wilkinson, who says he has attended every council reorganization meeting for the past 50 years, congratulated both Rocco and Buchanan for being voted to council once again.
“I know being a member of the governing body, it is certainly not an easy thing to do these days, given the impact that the state and federal regulations have on your duties and responsibilities,” Wilkinson said.
For that reason, Wilkinson thanked council for continuing to improve the borough despite tough legal parameters.
Rocco addressed the public at the end of the meeting, thanking the public for having allowed him to once again serve in public office.
“This wisdom and understanding I have received, as the three years that I’ve been a councilman, have enabled me to better understand the intricacies of government,” Rocco said. “It has enabled me to work more efficiently with people of more departments, and it has enabled me to identify what the desires and concerns are of the people of Berlin Borough.”
Buchanan also spoke, thanking residents for trusting him, and pointed out the reason government can be strong is by realizing differences and working together through them.
“We are a unit in the United States, and unity is our strength,” Buchanan said. “We’re not all the same; we might look all the same up here but we’re very diverse people… we’re different but we come together for a unified objective to help Berlin.”
Buchanan also thanked the numerous volunteers who help the multiple boards and committees in Berlin Borough.
Bilella made a final statement before council was adjourned, stating what council has hoped to do in recent years and saying he looks forward to seeing continued progress.
“We really want to be proactive on many levels — infrastructure, water, sewer and roads, community development and activities to redevelopment of the downtown,” Bilella said. “I think what’s really been exciting for me is we’ve been doing that very effectively, and now you’re starting to see that change. There are a lot of residents where you’re starting to see that enthusiasm start to build.
“It takes a while to turn a ship around, and I think we’re doing that.”
