By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
An annual rite for Pennsauken’s municipal government, the Township once again held its reorganization meeting on Jan. 4, swearing in its newly-elected officers and selecting the organization’s leadership for 2017. This year’s function, held at the Pennsauken Country Club, saw the return of some familiar faces and the selection of the second woman mayor in the Township’s history.
Mayor, Deputy Mayor Sworn In, Re-elected Officials Take Oath Of Office
Betsy McBride took the oath of office to become the second woman in Pennsauken’s history to be sworn in as mayor. Her husband, Superior Court Judge Edward J. McBride, officiated.
“I’m humbled and honored to continue to work for you through Township Committee,” says Mayor McBride. “I look forward to serving with you and with my colleagues as your mayor for 2017.”
Jack Killion, who returned to committee after recovering from triple bypass surgery, was sworn in as deputy mayor by Superior Court Judge Louis R. Meloni.
“For the lovely people and the extended family in this room who sent cards, e-mails, and text messages, thank you so much,” says Killion. “It means a lot. It really does.”
Rick Taylor, who won re-election to Township Committee in November 2016, returned for the reorganization meeting after dealing with a very lengthy illness. He was also sworn in by Judge Meloni. Taylor also expressed his gratitude for the community’s support.
“You know you’ve been away from home too long when the dog bites you,” joked Taylor, during a speech filled with heart-felt gratitude and his signature humor. “I just want to thank everyone for their prayers. I do believe in prayer. I’m blessed.”
John Kneib, who served on Township Committee for a decade, stepped down in December to replace Ed Grochowski as Pennsauken’s administrator. To serve out Kneib’s term for 2017, Bill Orth, a longtime Pennsauken resident who has served on Township Committee previously, was nominated to fill that seat. Judge Meloni conducted Orth’s oath of office.
“I do want everyone to know how honored and humbled I am by this appointment and how thankful I am to my good friends who share the responsibility with me,” says Orth. “I’ll do my best to support not only you, but the community of Pennsauken, to which all of us are part of.”
During his remarks, Township Committeeman John Figueroa offered his well-wishes to fellow members of committee, and offered a message of support to McBride, who is serving her first time as mayor.
“Betsy, congratulations on being mayor,” says Figueroa. “I hope you have a good year and are blessed.”
As Mayor McBride concluded her remarks, she laid out some of the work that Township Committee would be undertaking this year, such as continuing to “clean and green” Pennsauken, with particular focus on the Rt. 130 corridor, as well as preparations for the Township’s 125th anniversary.
“As we start to celebrate our 125th anniversary, we need volunteers to be involved in events and engaged in public service, as we work to celebrate this year in the best way,” explains McBride. “We need cheerleaders to stay informed and share with your neighbors, with your friends, with people outside Pennsauken about how proud you are. We all need to see your Pennsauken pride.”
She also highlighted the new “Meet with the Mayor” initiative, where residents and business owners can schedule an appointment on Wednesdays to sit down with her and the Township’s administrator.
“I encourage you and your neighbors to reach out to talk about your ideas and concerns. Make an appointment so we can talk,” adds McBride. “The answer isn’t always yes, but we do want to hear from you and do our best to serve you.”
Board Of Education Holds Reorganization, Selects Leadership
The Pennsauken Township Board of Education held its reorganization meeting on Jan. 5. Ms. Amy Guerin, solicitor for the Pennsauken Township Board of Education, swore in Jennifer Slattery, who is serving her first-ever term on the board, as well as JoAnn Young, and Nick Perry, who were re-elected for a second term.
“I am very excited and honored to have been elected to the Pennsauken Board of Education,” says Slattery. “I am confident that together with our excellent staff, great kids and families, and a motivated administration, that together we can do right by Pennsauken Schools.”
“It’s an exciting time to be involved with Pennsauken Schools,” adds Young. “The board has worked hard over the past few years. With the groundwork laid and a great staff in place, we believe Pennsauken will likely be the best school district is South Jersey in the near future for our families.”
In addition, Nick Perry and Dr. Allyson Meloni-Scavuzzo were voted in as president and vice president, respectively.
“I’m honored by the trust and faith you have in me to serve as your president,” says Perry. “We’ve accomplished so many things. It’s an absolute pleasure to work with you all, as we continue to serve the students and families of our community.”
“I’m so grateful to I have the support and confidence of the Board members, as I serve as vice president for a second year,” says Meloni-Scavuzzo. “I’m looking forward to continuing to work hard as a team to ensure the success of the Pennsauken School District.”
