By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor

On Jan. 4, Pennsauken’s Township Committee gathered for its reorganization meeting, setting up the municipal government for 2019. Held at the Pennsauken Country Club, the agenda included the swearing in of the town’s mayor, deputy mayor, and new committee members, as well as appointing individuals and contractors to various professional positions.

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

Accompanied by his wife, Ellie; his daughters-in-law, Melissa, Kristie, and Bridget; and grandsons, Aiden and Jack III, Jack Killion was sworn in by George Piperno to serve as Pennsauken’s mayor for the second consecutive year. Killion expressed his appreciation for the municipal staff and members of community that make the Township special.

“Thank you to our administration, all our departments,” said Killion. “Everyone in this room is so important to Pennsauken being what it is.”

Rick Taylor, accompanied by his wife, Bernice, was sworn in by Superior Court Judge Louis R. Meloni, to serve as deputy mayor for 2019. He congratulated the newly elected members of Committee and expressed his appreciation for the community’s support as he recovered from his prolonged illness.

“Thank you to everyone for their thoughts and prayers,” said Taylor. “I appreciate the continued support you’ve shown throughout the years.”

Two new members of Pennsauken’s Township Committee were sworn in for the very first time. Lifelong resident Marco DiBattista, who was accompanied by his wife, Lemonia, and his daughters, Sophia and Juliana, took the oath of office with former committee member Bill Orth officiating.

“I’m honored, touched, and excited to be part of the future of Pennsauken,” said DiBattista. “I look forward to working on Committee and learning from Jack, Betsy, and Mr. Taylor.”

“Who knew that this would be the outcome of all those detentions with Mr. Taylor,” joked Marco, who was once a student at Pennsauken High School under the deputy mayor.

Jessica Rafeh, with her husband Husan by her side, was sworn in by Mayor Jack Killion. She took an opportunity to thank the Pennsauken community for trusting her to serve on their behalf.

“Thank you to everyone for their trust and support,” said Rafeh. “I promise the residents of Pennsauken that I will do the very best that I can.”

During her public comments, Committeewoman Betsy McBride congratulated Marco and Jessica for joining Committee, affectionately calling them “the kids.” She also reflected on a momentous occasion in Pennsauken’s municipal government: for the first time ever, two women are serving on Township Committee at the same time.

“I’m honored to be serving with Jessica,” said McBride. “Women bring a different perspective that’s important to have.”   

Proclamations Presented To Figueroa, Orth

Mayor Jack Killion presented proclamations to two members of Township Committee who stepped down from public service in 2018. John Figueroa, a longtime volunteer firefighter, former school board member for 14 years, and a past Public Works superintendent, had served on Committee for almost a decade.

“We gather together today to recognize John Figueroa for eight years of faithful and dedicated service to Pennsauken as a member of Township Committee,” read Killion. “We celebrate John’s retirement and honor the commitment he had to his duties.”

Bill Orth’s name is synonymous with Pennsauken; and his commitment to the town he loves and the people who live here spans decades. The head of the Pennsauken Sewerage Authority and a dedicated community advocate, Orth had been a member of Township Committee for well over 30 years, serving as mayor numerous times.

“Bill always dreamed bigger than anyone else. No matter what the circumstances or what obstacles might stand in his way, Bill was never deterred from pursuing the best for our town,” stated Killion. “Whether it was the celebration of diversity and culture through the arts with the Up With People program that helped bring our community together, or encouraging people to ‘shop Pennsauken’ to support our local businesses, or the dedication to bringing development to town with innovative projects, Bill has never stopped pursuing bigger and better things for our community.”

Former mayor and committeewoman Geri Tabako also offered a special thank you to Orth during the public comment portion of the reorganization meeting.

“How many of us are involved because of Bill Orth? Whether you’re employed by the Township, serving on a board or commission, worked on a special project, or headed up a committee, Bill Orth reached out to us and had faith that we could the job,” said Tabako. “Bill saw something special in each one of us. So Bill, beyond all of your ideas for the Township, your special projects, and just your presence on Township Committee, they will all be a lasting testimony to you and your forethought for Pennsauken. And all of us you got involved, we are your legacy. And we hope that we continue to make you ‘Pennsauken Proud.’”       

In closing, Mayor Killion encouraged those in attendance to be inspired by those who have dedicated themselves to the betterment of Pennsauken.

“Let’s continue to move in a positive direction,” said Killion. “Let’s be leaders, like Bill Orth, John Figueroa, Geri Tabako, Steve Petrillo, and other former Township Committee members before us who helped show us the path. Let’s continue and keep it going.”

Board Of Education Holds Reorganization Meeting

On Jan. 3, the Pennsauken Township Board of Education held its reorganization meeting. Michael Hurley, Diane Johnson, Scott La Vine, and Samer John Jarbouh-Rafeh were sworn in by board solicitor Andrew Li. In addition, Nick Perry and Diane Johnson were once again selected as the board’s president and vice president, respectively.

In his comments to those in attendance, Mr. Perry reiterated that the focus of Pennsauken’s Board of Education was to work diligently to grow and enhance the District so that students succeed and are prepared for the future. “We’re on the side of the students who go to our public schools; we’re on the side of the staff so we can support them any way we can; we’re on the side of the superintendent to help him achieve our goals,” said Perry. “If you look at what we’ve done in the last two years in this district, it’s phenomenal. And it’s only going to grow.”