Livingston Mayor Rieber Named Essex County GOP Mayor of the Year

Livingston Mayor Michael Rieber was named Mayor of the Year at the Essex County Republican Organization’s annual holiday party on Dec. 4.

The annual holiday party was held at Il Tulipano Restaurant in Cedar Grove. More than 200 of the organization’s supporters, volunteers, rank and file members, as well as office holders attended the event.

Nearly 200 toys were collected at the holiday party. The toys will be donated to the Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital.

As is his custom, ECRO Chairman Al Barlas used the occasion to hand out awards to those who worked hard for the organization this year.

Michael Rieber, of Livingston, and mayor of the township, was named Mayor of the Year.

Richard Leonard of Roseland, who ran in the close Essex County Freeholder District 4 race this year, was named Candidate of the Year.

John V. Kelly III, of Nutley, who ran a spirited campaign in Freeholder District 5, was named Rookie of the Year.

Steve Rogers, Nutley Township Commissioner, was named Elected Official of the Year.

Also recognized by the organization was the Republican mayor and council team from Caldwell: Ann Dassing; Kris Brown, and John Cascarano, who were awarded Campaign of the Year for their sweep on Election Day.

Gordon Lawshe of Caldwell was named the Volunteer or the Year.

Rick Alonso of Caldwell, who ran in the county at-large freeholder race and was named Candidate of the Year and Chris Smith, the municipal GOP chairman for West Caldwell, was named Chairman of the Year.

“It was yet another excellent holiday party; we had the opportunity to recognize and thank those who worked hard throughout the year for the party, have some fun and enjoy each other’s company outside the pressure of the campaign season,” Barlas said.

Photo courtesy of the Livingston Township Facebook page.