2 New Freeholders Sworn In, County To Focus On Security In 2016

MORRISTOWN, N.J. – The Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders swore in two new members, one who was re-elected, and a returning leader at its annual reorganization meeting.

Incumbent John Cesaro, of Parsippany, was re-elected to another three-year term, accompanied by Christine Myers of Mendham Township and Debra Smith of Denville.

The two women were first-time candidates and both were elected to three-year terms. All three are Republicans.

The board chose Kathy DeFillippo to be the board’s leader for the second consecutive year.

A major point of discussion at the board’s reorganization meeting was stressing homeland security in Morris County in the coming year, and how to fund local law enforcement agencies to be best equipped.

“Recent incidents throughout the nation and world concerning active shooter and hostile incidents are becoming increasingly frequent occurrences,’’ Freeholder Doug Cabana said. “We learned from the tragic attack in San Bernardino that we all must be vigilant during this volatile time in world history. Morris County is not immune from this violence.’’

The county plans to spend $500,000 of federal Homeland Security funds in 2016 to better prepare first responders for such attacks, with a primary focus on quickly treating the injured.

Freeholder meeting will be held on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month with work sessions held at 9:30 a.m. and regular meetings held at 7 p.m. in the County Administration and Records Building at 10 Court Street in Morristown.