Howell Township Council: New Members Look To Year Ahead

HOWELL, NJ — The Township Council seated three new members, all Republicans, at the recent reorganization meeting.

Susan Fischer, Fred Gasior and Ian Nadel were sworn in on Monday, Jan. 2. Councilwoman Evelyn O'Donnell was chosen as deputy mayor.

Mayor Theresa Berger, the only Democrat on the council since former Councilman Jon Bonevich was not re-elected, was not present at the meeting. Read more background leading up to the organization meeting here.

O'Donnell, now in her seventh year in office, said she looked forward to serving with the new council members and thanked the voters "for giving her this team"

"Already we have set goals for ourselves and already they are working hard. The are not going to hit the ground running, they are running as we speak," she said of the new council members.

She said that, within fiscal guidelines, she hoped to "go forward in a progressive manner," but mindful of what she saw as Howell's "foundation": Its "rural foundation, foundation of community, patriotism, love of God - all of those things will be incorporated as the team goes on for the next several years." See a video of the Township Council organization meeting here.

The council made yearly appointments both on boards and commissions and for professionals who serve the town.

The oaths of office were given to the new council members: Attorney Robert Konzelman for Fischer, Monmouth County Commissioner Ross Licitra for Gasior, and Sheriff Shaun Golden for Nadel.

All three spoke to the assembled supporters and family and other community members, including Councilman Gasior:

Gasior, who served in the state police for 25 years, thanked the voters who elected the team and he said the collective experience of the council would work in all members' favor.

"We get it. We, including the mayor, have over 150 years of residency in the town," Gasior said.

He displayed a large binder that showed all the information the three have been gathering about the workings of the town, adding he likes to do things "from a position of knowledge."

He urged the public to reach out to the councilmembers at the town website email links to speak directly to them all. "If you want to know something, reach out to me personally," he said, adding he will call a resident back or meet personally.

He said that regarding issues past, present and in the future, the council is "dedicated to making responsible decisions in regard to this town." And he cited his appreciation for the advice of the professionals in the township. Read a recap of some major events in the township in 2022 here.

"Our goal is after we're through here that we left Howell in a better place than when we started - and at least we're going to give it one hell of a shot," Gasior concluded.