Springfield Reorganization Meeting

The Committee chambers were packed for Springfield's annual reorganization meeting where Ziad Shehady became the youngest mayor in New Jersey and the Republican mayor of a town dominated by Democrats for over a decade.

In most cases surrounded by their families and in front of what seemed like half the town, Shehady was appointed mayor, Bart Fraenkel was appointed deputy mayor, Jeffrey Lehrer was appointed township attorney and newly elected Committee members Marc Krauss and Jerry Fernandez were sworn into office. In addition, the committee appointed dozens of people to serve on township boards and committees.

The packed room was spotted with statewide political celebrities. Lieutenant Governor-elect Kim Guadagno swore the candidates into office. Congressman Leonard Lance made a short speech after the candidates were sworn in. And while they did not participate in the meeting, Assemblyman Jon Bramnick, State Senator Tom Keane, Jr. and Assemblywoman Nancy Munoz attended as well. The politicians' support could be seen as a display of investment in the future of the young Republican mayor, but with one politician at least there was a personal connection; Shehady had served as an intern at the office of Nancy Munoz's deceased husband, Eric Munoz.

Lance, who has been making the rounds of several municipal and county reorganization meetings in the seventh Congressional district, said Springfield's was the most crowded and energetic municipal meeting he'd attended this year. The number of attendees, he said, was larger than the audience at the Huntingdon County Freeholder reorganization.

"I attribute that to the excitement over the people sworn into office," Lance said.

In his speech after being appointed mayor, Shehady pledged to bring more communication to the town and streamline township operations. He implored township residents to become active in their community through volunteering. And he pledged to use tax dollars responsibly.

"Our agenda will be aggressive and comprehensive because this governing body will put Springfield first always so that Springfield is number one," Shehady said in his remarks.

Krauss, after thanking his wife for permitting him to run, pledged to help bring Springfield into the 21st century. Fernandez, his running mate, acknowledged the challenges facing the new committee.

"The task in front of us is not an easy one," Fernandez said.  "We have to do more than ever with less than ever."