New Mayor Named At Chatham Township Reorganization Meeting

CHATHAM, NJ — Chatham Township officially has a new mayor and deputy mayor.

The Chatham Township Committee held its annual reorganization meeting on Jan. 2 to kick off the new year, during which two new faces officially joined the committee and the appointments for mayor and deputy mayor were made official.

Ashley Felice and Mark Hamilton, Republican incumbents and the previous mayor and deputy mayor, were defeated in November by Democrats Jen Rowland and Marty McHugh.

Both Rowland and McHugh were sworn into their new posts on Tuesday night by U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill.

Stacey Ewald and Mike Choi received nominations for mayor and deputy mayor by their Democratic committee colleagues, respectively.

"This team brings a depth of experience, expertise and deep community roots to this committee and I look forward to working with them to build for the future of the township and in dealing with the upcoming challenges," Ewald said.

When discussing challenges for the upcoming year, the Mayor-Elect said that the top priorities will continue to be safety, fiscal prudence, planning and community engagement.

With auto theft remaining a statewide issue and an increase in residential burglary attempts expected through 2023, Ewald emphasized the committee's commitment to the protection of all residents.

In Chatham Township, on Dec. 22, four masked individuals attempted to break into a house on Holly Drive. There were no suspects captured, and police warned homes that it was the third attempt that week in different subdivisions within the township.

All of the break-in attempts occurred after 2 a.m., and all of the attempts to enter the homes were unsuccessful, authorities said.

In 2024, Ewald said that the township would be appointing the police chief as the office of emergency management coordinator.

"The chief has been at the forefront of our emergency planning and preparedness and we are appreciative that he is willing to step into this role. We thank the former OEM coordinator, Jon Weston, for his service," Ewald said.

Ewald then praised the township's financial condition, claiming that they were beginning the new year with a healthy surplus after years of "careful stewardship." Although budget preparations will not be completed until the spring, Ewald stated that current predictions show that there will be little to no tax increases.

Looking toward the future, Ewald said that in 2024, the committee hopes to replace the current fire trucks for both local fire departments, along with replacing a deteriorating wall at the Colony Pool Club.

"I look forward to working with all of our community volunteers, our township residents and our wonderful Chatham Township staff to continue to protect, preserve and improve upon the place we are all so proud to call our hometown," Ewald said.