Council Members Take Oath, Mayor Optimistic About 2025 In South Brunswick

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — It was a full house on Sunday evening, as three members of the council took their oaths of office in South Brunswick.

Archana “Ann” Grover, Jo Hochman, and Patricia Germain, who won their elections in November 2024, were sworn into office by Mayor Charlie Carley.

Hochman brought her grandson Brian to the ceremony as she “wanted him to know what government is about.”

In her comments, Hochman thanked the community for electing her and highlighted the importance of local government involvement, noting that all commissions are filled this year.

“It makes my heart just swell that so many people want to be involved in the local government because it is so important. We have one of the best towns,” Hochman said. She will be her 13th year in service to the community.

Grover was accompanied by her husband Vinod, son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter for the oath-taking ceremony. In her comments, Grover recollected the time she sat on a plane for the first time in her life to come to America and start a new life.

“Who knew that I would end up in the service of giving back to the community, which I actually learned from you all,” Grover said.

Newcomer Germain had her grandsons for company when she was sworn in.

She expressed her gratitude to her pastor, family, and friends, and said she looks forward to serving their community for the next four years.

“I'm really looking forward to the next four years of this new journey that I'm on. I appreciate all the love and support that I have from everyone, and in the next four years, I will work alongside my fellow council here to serve our community, support our police officer, and strive to do my best for our town,” Germain said.

After comments from the council members, Kenneth Bierman was chosen as Deputy Mayor.

During his comments to the community, Carley said the township had a good year in 2024 in “quiet ways.”

He highlighted the importance of county government, noting achievements like preserving over 200 acres of land and maintaining local infrastructure.

Despite challenges, Carley said he remains optimistic about 2025.

“Everyone always has challenges, but we also have opportunities. And I can assure you that from the time I've spent on the council here and observing towns all around Middlesex County, the spirit that elected officials on the local level bring to the job. I think there is a deep understanding of the importance of community,” Carley said. “Whether it's South Brunswick or Monroe or Woodbridge or Edison, we understand that by supporting one another and fostering inclusivity, not just inclusivity of appearances and religion, but also of ideas, and by celebrating our neighbors, we can make a difference in our lives, for our families and our neighborhoods and our friends.”

Carley noted that there was an air of optimism in people. “There's an inherent optimism, not just in South Brunswick, but throughout the nation, by and large, and we hope that our efforts will yield gains for not just ourselves, but for our neighbors, our families and our neighbors and families futures.”

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