New committeeman Kevin French (center) takes the oath of office from Congressman Jeff Van Drew (left).
The Harrison Township Committee hosted its annual reorganization meeting on Jan. 2 and swore in a new committeeman and new deputy mayor.
The meeting opened with Committeeman Kevin French taking the oath after winning a three-year term in the November election.
“I will make all decisions here based on the best interest of the township, using my common sense with a focus on two primary things: smart growth and fiscal responsibility,” said French. “My goal is to get this township in the position that it deserves to be in, and with the help of everyone, I’m sure that will happen.”
The township also saw the swearing in of new Deputy Mayor Lawrence Moore, who was also elected in November and replaces Julie DeLaurentis.
“It is an honor to step into the role of deputy mayor,” said Moore. “And I am mindful of the increased responsibility that will come with it, alongside the new and pressing challenges that await us.”
Both men were sworn in by Congressman Jeff Van Drew, who addressed the meeting.
“When I think of a township committee, I always have a good feeling,” he noted. “There are some good times and there are some tough times. A lot of people don’t know, but I sure didn’t start as a congressman. I actually started out on township committee in my small rural town of about 7,000 people and I still remember everything I learned from that.
“It’s important and it matters because you are the closest level of government to the people,” Van Drew added. “The problems they have, the concerns they have, what they think and what they believe, they often express to you. And I remember that because it helps me.”
Mayor Louis Manzo was also sworn in for another year in that role by Township Solicitor Brian Duffield, after a close 3-2 vote. Manzo also discussed the challenges that will face the township in the coming year and initiatives that will be pursued.
“Twenty-twenty-four is going to be a really important year in Harrison Township,” he explained. “I know that we all agree on sticking to our philosophy of maintaining smart growth and maintaining our agricultural charm that is innate in Harrison Township.
“As always, we look to bring the desired uses that the community wants,” Manzo added. “Obviously we want some more fine dining restaurants (and) we’d love to have and continue to pursue a gourmet food market. We’re going to do all of this while keeping in mind that we need to add the required commercial rateables to our tax base to keep this an affordable place to live for our residents. That’s paramount.”
