New Year, New Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Committee Member In Chatham

CHATHAM, NJ — Just before the snow started to set in this past Thursday night, the new mayor and deputy mayor, as well as a new committee member, took their oaths of office in the township.

Ashley Felice was chosen mayor among the committee members by a 3-2 vote, with Mark Hamilton the township’s deputy mayor.

Mark Lois, who was elected in November, was also sworn in on the Township Committee.

In the race for the seat against Katherine “Kathy” Abbott, who took the unexpired term and seat of former Mayor Tracey Ness, sitting as Deputy Mayor through Dec. 31, Lois ended up prevailing in the election after a contentious battle. Abbott, a Democratic candidate, filed for a recount petition the same day that the Morris County Board of Elections certified the results on Nov. 15. With Lois leading by 25 votes, she ended up withdrawing her petition a week later.

The 2022 Chatham Township Committee, which previously held a Democratic Party majority, has shifted to a Republican majority.

See Felice’s first "Mayor's Message" below, Asssemblyman Brian Bergen, R-25th Dist., having administered her oath:

"Welcome everyone. Let me begin by thanking all of my fellow Township Committee Members for their confidence in me to lead Chatham Township as Mayor. Thank you to my family for all of their support and for everyone who has traveled to be here tonight. Thank you Assemblyman Bergen for swearing us in this evening. Congratulations to Mark Hamilton on his selection as Deputy Mayor and congratulations to Committeeman Lois on his election to this body. I am humbled, honored, and excited to take on the new role of Mayor.

Chatham Township is a place of exceptional people with a bright future. Local government can enhance that future with the effective management of our resources and a focus on efficient problem solving. Our goal will be to minimize the tax burden on the constituents as we make the best of each opportunity and unflinchingly meet all challenges. Partly, this will include reevaluating old agreements, processes, roles and responsibilities. We will use specialists in areas of complexity where these experts create value. We will roll up our sleeves and get things done ourselves when it makes sense to do that. At all times our approach must attend appropriately to both costs and results.

This will be a difficult balance to achieve as we pursue improved quality of life, while respecting our taxpayers. Our goals for 2022 are led by our need to:

• Meet the challenge of affordable housing with the least disruption and cost burden to the residents of our Township….
• Build on the successful approach we took last year at Colony Pool, as we address other Municipal Assets in a similar way….
• And Responsibly plan for maintenance of non-recreational facilities to ensure the integrity of our infrastructure and address the safety on our roadways – especially at key intersections. We will achieve these goals and more through the steadfast efforts and support of our most essential assets - our people. Our community must continue to support the best among us, our Police Department, Fire Department and Emergency Squad. These first responders reliably answer the call for all our needs at a moments notice. Our steady commitment to support their needs will position them for continued success as they serve all of us. Few exemplify the commitment to service better than our own department of public works. In a few hours our first winter storm of the new year will be upon us and I know our DPW will do stellar work for us all. While good work is their trademark, that reliability of service is not taken for granted by our community and does not go unnoticed or unappreciated.

Our Township runs on a spirit of true professionalism, but also on volunteerism. As a community we recognize this spirit, for it is the volunteers at every level that maintain our small-town way of life. It is those neighbors and friends among us that fill the committees and boards, plan events and provide the most creative solutions. These are the people that take on problems of all types and distinguish our Township with their diligence.

In 2022, we are uniquely positioned for lasting and positive improvements to Chatham Township. We can achieve this through cooperation. I am looking forward to serving the residents of this Township and simultaneously WITH the residents of this Township.
I am confident in the prospects for enhancing our quality of life, without the need for increased municipal tax rates. Cooperatively, with an unbreakable alignment of common values, we will build on the successful, unique character of Chatham Township. Let’s join, in what unites us and what binds us to reveal the best in us. We can decide right now to make 2022 a remarkable year. I am committed, and I ask you to join me."

Questions or comments about this story? Have a news tip? Contact me at: jennifer.miller@patch.com.