Gingrich To Serve As Berkeley Council President In 2017

Berkeley Township, NJ - Township Councilwoman Sophia Gingrich will preside over the governing body in 2017.

Gingrich - who represents Ward 4 - was unanimously selected by the council at the Jan. 4 reorganization meeting by a 6-0 vote. Township Councilman L. Thomas Grosse Jr. will serve as council vice-president during the new year. Grosse, a Toms River police officer, did not attend the meeting due to a work-related absence, Mayor Carmen F. Amato Jr. said.

The makeup of the governing body remains the same, all Republican. There was no municipal election in 2016.

"I would like to thank Councilman (John) Bacchione for his service as Council President for 2016 and congratulate Councilwoman Gingrich on her election as President and look forward to working with her this year," the mayor said.

The council will continue to focus on maintaining cost efficient services and keeping municipal taxes as stable as possible as the township continues to focus on recovering from Superstorm Sandy, Amato said. Other issues will include public safety, infrastructure improvements, attracting new businesses and improving recreational opportunities, the mayor said.

Getting Sandy victims back home will be a priority as well, Amato said.

The council re-appointed a number of professional firms. George R. Gilmore, of Toms River-based Gilmore and Monahan will remain as township attorney. James M. Oris of T&M Associates was appointed as township planner. Alan Dittenhofer of Remington, Vernick and Vena will remain as township engineer.

Image: Patricia A. Miller