New Mayor Begins Term In Howell On New Year's Day

HOWELL, NJ — Howell Township will start a new chapter with a new mayor when the Township Council holds its reorganization meeting on New Year's Day.

The meeting on Wednesday is set for 10 a.m. in the meeting room on the second floor of Town Hall, 4567 Route 9.

John Leggio will be sworn in as mayor, returning the office to Republican control after Democrat Theresa Berger held the seat for eight years. Berger chose not to seek re-election. Leggio won a three-way primary in June, receiving 1,917 votes to 1,863 for Ian Nadel and 555 for Fred Gasior. In November, Leggio easily defeated Democrat John Hughes, 19,649 to 9,350.

In addition, Evelyn Malsbury O'Donnell will be sworn in to a new term on the township council. O'Donnell, a Republican, received 14,959 votes, defeating Democrat Rebecca Scott, who had 9,059 votes, and independent Betty L. Velez-Gimbel, who received 4,477.

The agenda for the council meeting, which includes appointments to various boards and commissions in the township, is available on the township's website.