New Mayor, Councilmen Sworn In At Lacey Reorganization Meeting

LACEY, NJ — The governing body of Lacey Township saw some changes in the beginning of 2025, with the addition of a new committeeman and the selection of a mayor and deputy mayor.

2024 marked the end of Mark Dykoff's tenure on the Township Committee, as he opted not to run for re-election. Read more: Lacey Honors Outgoing Committeeman Dykoff

New Committeeman Robert Laureigh was sworn in at the reorganization meeting on Jan. 1, along with incumbent Tim McDonald.

At the meeting, a new mayor and deputy mayor were also selected. The committee chooses who will serve these roles from their five members.

In 2025, Peter Curatolo will serve as mayor, and Steven Kennis deputy mayor.

Committeewoman PeggySue Juliano, who served as mayor in 2024, thanked everyone for their support and got choked up while speaking.

"Not everybody knows this, but Steven was the one who not only encouraged me, but allowed me to have the mayorship last year so that my mom could see me as a mayor," an emotional Juliano said.

Laureigh, whose family in Lacey dates back to 1938, boasted about how wonderful the township is.

"We are the envy of not Ocean County, but most of the state," he said. "Most towns, their problem is they want to be Lacey Township. They can't figure it out. They don't have the people that live here to provide such a great community."

Laureigh, also a member of the township planning board, said that the biggest issues facing Lacey are land use, traffic and taxes.

As mayor, Curatolo said he wanted to increase tourism in Lacey.

"Our businesses deserve it," he said. "Our residents deserve it."

Curatolo noted that Lacey offers agritourism opportunities and has a nuclear plant. He mentioned wanting to bring filming opportunities here as well, something he has brought up at previous meetings.

"Maybe shoot some film, some commercials here, and then just to bring those funds in here. I don't think that's a heavy lift. Many other towns do it. It's been very lucrative for them," he said.

Curatolo also echoed Laureigh on taxes being an issue.

"My mom had four kids. She was divorced. She didn't have much money at all," he said. "Making decisions up here, I'm thinking about that single mom of four kids and not being able to afford something at the grocery store. So I give you my word, I'm going to be thinking about that when I'm moving forward here with strength and passion, with morality and dignity and knowledge."