Mike Gonnelli Sworn In For Fourth Term As Secaucus Mayor

SECAUCUS, NJ — Wednesday was the swearing-in ceremony for Mayor Michael Gonnelli, who begins his fourth term serving as mayor of the town of Secaucus.

Gonnelli has been mayor of Secaucus for the past 13 years — and he shows no signs of stopping.

"I foresee a couple more terms in the future. I envision running for a few more terms," Gonnelli told Patch Thursday morning. "I really love what I do. I really love helping people. It's as simple as that. I will do everything in my power to do a great job for the people of Secaucus."

"We're keeping taxes stable; we're building a community garden (next to Krauszer's on Meadowlands Parkway; we're doing a new park at the foot of Farm Road; we're rebuilding the senior center. And I really love doing it all."

Gonnelli said the community garden will grow fruits and vegetables, some of which will be given to families in need here in Secaucus.

"We have families who need food," revealed the mayor. "People don't realize we have that here in Secaucus, but we probably have 300 to 400 families who qualify."

Three council members also were re-elected this past fall and they took the oath of office Wednesday. From left to right, Second Ward Councilman Mark Dehnert, First Ward Councilman Robert Costantino, Mayor Gonnelli and Councilman William McKeever were sworn in Wednesday at town hall.

Judge Karen Boylan administered the oath of office.

Secaucus police and volunteer firefighters were also promoted at the event:

Yash Patel – Captain Engine 1
Michael Schoendorf – Captain Engine 2
Troy Conville – Captain Engine 3
Joseph Franks – Captain Engine 4
Matthew Bienkowski – Captain Tower 2
Rahul Nagpal – Lieutenant Engine 1
Joseph Marchese – 1 st Lieutenant Engine 2
Joseph J. Schoendorf – 2 nd Lieutenant Engine 2
Jason Leppin – Lieutenant Engine 3
Matthew Mottola – 1 st Lieutenant Engine 4
Walter Francis – 2nd Lieutenant Engine 4
Victor Paone –Lieutenant Tower 2

Police Department promotions:

Christopher Rinaldi – Lieutenant
Christina Liptak – Lieutenant
Aniello Schaffer – Sergeant
Stephen Hurtuk III – Sergeant
Vince DeFazio – Sergeant

Congratulations to all the men and women who serve the town of Secaucus!

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