Camarota Will Not Seek Reelection In South Brunswick This Year

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — Councilman Joe Camarota will not be seeking reelection this year.

The Councilman made the announcement on Wednesday during the Council reorganization meeting.

Camarota served as Deputy Mayor and on Wednesday, Ken Bierman was appointed to the role.

In his speech, Camarota said that over the years, he has been ignoring health issues that need to be addressed.

“I’m turning 71 this year. No male in my family's ever lived past that. So my family and friends have been asking me for three years now to start cutting back,” Camarota said.

“This will be my last year. I will not look or seek another term. It's been a wonderful 20 year run. I’ve done a lot. I think it's time to have someone else take this seat.”

Camarota was reelected Councilman during the 2020 election.

The Councilman said that over the years, his day job had gotten more hectic.

“My day job keeps getting much more complicated. I was looking at United Airlines, an I flew 56 times last year. I think that's more than once a week. And that's a lot I'm in line to do.”

He told the community that being on council was a “job.” The position needs to be served with dedication.

“This isn't a job. This is a position - a sacred position because you're voted in and you're expected to be a servant to the public. And in order to do that, it takes a lot of commitment and dedication,” Camarota said.

After his announcement, Mayor Charlie Carley said the next person on council will have large shoes to fill.

We’ve been partners in crime since 2004... I think we've done a good job with the things that are of concern to you,” Carley said. “Those are big shoes to fill.”

The council seats, held by Camarota, Ann Grover and Jo Hochman, will be up for election this year.

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