Ian Nadel Named Deputy Mayor At Howell Reorganization Meeting

HOWELL, NJ — Howell Councilman Ian Nadel, elected in November 2022, was voted the township's deputy mayor at the Howell Township Council reorganization meeting Tuesday night.

Nadel has served one year on the Township Council, along with his then-running mates Fred Gasior and Susan Fischer. He replaces Councilwoman Evelyn O'Donnell in the role, who served as deputy mayor in 2023.

The vote was unanimous with votes - and congratulations - for Nadel from his fellow council members. Mayor Theresa Berger, the sole Democrat on the council, was not present at the meeting.

Nadel, a former New York City law enforcement officer, was sworn in by Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden. Golden is also chairman of the Monmouth County Republican Committee. Nadel was joined by his wife and two sons for the ceremony.

Nadel thanked his fellow councilmembers, especially O'Donnell, who provided guidance for all the new members thanks to her experience in government, he said. She nominated him for the deputy mayor role.

He also spoke about his belief in the need to show support for law enforcement in the township.

"We expect they have support to do the tough job that is police work," Nadel said of the Howell Council's backing of law enforcement.

And it was a night that, in addition to naming professional and volunteer appointments, highlighted Police Department members.

Police Chief John Storrow presented new police officers and officers promoted in rank during the past year for the swearing-in ceremonies. The room was filled with family members and friends of the officers.

The council members all spoke briefly at the meeting, addressing the public:

"We have your back. We hear the good, we hear the bad. And we'll do what is best for the township," said Gasior.

O'Donnell thanked the many volunteers in the township for the work they put in on the many boards and committees in the township.

She also stated a personal goal she had for the township in 2024 - to locate veterans housing in Howell.

This is a "most important, overlooked issue," she said.

Fischer, the high vote getter among her Republican running mates when she ran with Gasior and Nadel in 2022, looked back at the year and recounted accomplishments of the township, thanking the Township Manager Joe Clark and all the staff.

She said the governing body is listening to the residents - hiring more police officers, putting stricter code enforcement in place and making open space acquisitions.

The next regularly scheduled Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 16. The regular meeting will begin at 7 p.m. that day.

Meetings take place at the Howell Township Municipal Building, Main Meeting Room, 4567 Route 9 North.

Looking ahead, the Township Council will have two seats up for election in 2024: the mayor's seat, to which Berger won re-election in 2020, and the council seat currently held by O'Donnell, who was also re-elected in November 2020.