By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor

On Jan. 3, Pennsauken’s Township Committee gathered for its reorganization meeting, setting up the municipal government for 2020. While the swearing in of the town’s mayor, deputy mayor, committee members, and the approval of municipal appointments is an annual occurrence, this year’s meeting had a different feel, with several fresh voices now in charge of steering Pennsauken Township into a brand new decade.

Mayor, Deputy Mayor Sworn In, Newly Elected Officials Take Oath Of Office

Newly elected Committee member Tim Killion, accompanied by his wife, Bridget, and young son, Aiden, was sworn in by Superior Court Judge Louis R. Meloni to serve as Pennsauken’s mayor for the very first time.

“I would like to thank Township Committee for your support and trust, and I am very excited to work with all of you in the upcoming year,” said Killion in his remarks during the reorganization meeting. “Thank you to our residents for electing me to be on committee and for your encouragement.”  

Marco DiBattista, standing with his wife, Nitsa, and daughter, Sophia, took the oath of office as the town’s deputy mayor, again officiated by Judge Meloni. This was also DiBattista’s first time being appointed to this role; and the impact of the moment was not lost on the Committee member.

“Humbling isn’t a strong enough word to say how I feel. I want to thank every person in this room for being here, because this town is so important,” said DiBattista. “Being on Committee has far exceeded any expectations I’ve had. My love for this town is strong and I am honored to have the chance to help shape where we’re going.”

Continuing with this series of firsts, Al Dyer was sworn in as Pennsauken Township Committee’s newest member. During his swearing in by Judge Meloni, Dyer was joined by his wife, Medinah; daughters, Amina and Amani; mother, Wilhelmenia; brother, Anton; sister, Shakima; and sister-in-law, Tonya. He thanked his family for their support, and looked forward to his first year of public service.

“I’m very excited to get started. I know I’m new to this process, but I have some great mentors,” said Dyer. “Learning from each other is a good way to start. I think we can accomplish a lot of good things together.”

Exciting Changes For The Start Of A New Decade

During his public remarks, Mayor Killion noted that there were many changes in regards to the town’s local government. In addition to new members of Township Committee, Pennsauken has a new administrator, Joseph Palumbo, who has served as the community’s fire chief since 2011.

“Joe has proven himself as a dedicated and caring leader, who has transformed the fire department and always has what’s best for Pennsauken on his mind,” said Killion. “His attention to detail, respect for our community, and relentless passion will suit our township extremely well.”

Killion went on to say that while change can be uncomfortable for some, Pennsauken’s new administration is confident that what begins this year will lead to bigger and better things for Pennsauken.

“Four out of the five of us on Committee are new and we have a new administrator. I’m excited for the challenge and look forward to shaping our town as we begin a new decade.

“There has been a strong foundation laid before us that we are now charged with building upon. We might not do it like it has been done before, but we will do it with the same passion, energy, dedication, and care that past Committee members have put forth. This team sitting up here tonight cares about Pennsauken, loves Pennsauken, and respects the residents of Pennsauken. We will do our best to make our town better. We will do our best to transform and evolve Pennsauken. We will do our best to make you proud to call Pennsauken home, because I know this team is proud to call Pennsauken home.”

As part of doing things differently, Mayor Killion announced that Township Committee meetings will now be held at 6:00 p.m., making it easier for residents to attend. In addition, representatives from Pennsauken’s police, fire, EMS, and code enforcement will attend each meeting to answer questions that residents might have on the spot. Committee meetings will also go “on the road,” visiting members of the community at various parts of town. And that’s just the beginning, according to the new mayor.

“Our Committee and our administrator will be looking at ways for our town to be more efficient and to streamline processes, so our residents can have a better experience with government, as well ensuring that our residents receive great customer service,” explained Killion. “I plan on increasing our activity on social media, so you hear directly from me, committee members, and department heads on what is happening in town.”

In closing, Mayor Killion and the members of Township Committee again enthusiastically expressed their commitment to working with the residents of Pennsauken to make the town an even better place to work, live, and raise a family.

“Please give this Committee a chance, as we embark on this new decade,” said Mayor Killion. “Challenge us and yourself to dream for Pennsauken. Let’s push the envelope to be better and be the role model and a trailblazer for other towns. Look upon the horizon of what we want Pennsauken to be and let’s go for it.”      

“I’m excited for the New Year. I’m excited to have Al on Committee. I’m excited to work with Jess, Betsy, and Tim,” added DiBattista. “The future’s bright.”