Springfield Reorganization Tonight

For the past two weeks, Ziad Shehady's name has been bouncing around political blogs and other media outlets.

Shehady, a Republican who has served on Springfield's Township Committee since 2007, will be the senior member of the majority party on the Committee once newly elected GOP Committee members Marc Krauss and Jerry Fernandez are sworn in. To all appearances, it is certain that he will be the next mayor of Springfield. 

Similar political shifts like this are happening in municipalities all across the state. Why should attention be cast on a veteran politician becoming a mayor? Well, because at 25 years old, Shehady will be the youngest mayor in New Jersey.

Shehady said he doesn't mind the attention his age brings; he hopes it will inspire interest in government and civic work among youth.

"I think the age issue sells news and makes headlines which is why so much attention is being paid to it, but I also think it is significant and I appreciate the attention because more young citizens need to get involved in government regardless of their political affiliation," Shehady said in an e-mail. 

Shehady said he was proud to be in the company of contemporary youthful politicians such as Illinois Congressman Aaron Schock, Westfield Councilman Keith Loughlin and Plainfield Council President Annie McWilliams. However, he indicated he was wary of being labeled because of his age.

"I've been told by mentors and close friends not to shy away from the age question and to be proud of it," he said. "I'll listen because I think I can do the job, deliver on my promises and prove that it is O.K. to be young in government.  I just don't want my age to identify me."

Shehady's age isn't the only break from the past. Shehady was the first Republican in recent memory to be elected to the consistently Democrat Township Committee. And, with the help of Democrat Mayor Bart Fraenkel, who broke with party ranks to endorse him, Shehady has ushered in a sea change in the town's politics.

It's not the only change in store for the evening. The newly re-configured Committee will appoint new members to boards and committees. Jeff Lehrer will replace Bruce Bergen, who has acted as the Township's attorney for 16 years.

Lieutenant Governor-elect Kim Guadagno will be present at the swearing-in ceremony, which begins at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall.