As part of township’s annual Organization Day, Committeeman Gerard P. Scharfenberger, Ph.d. was selected to as Mayor and Committeeman Anthony P. Fiore as Deputy Mayor for 2016.
Mayor Scharfenberger said 2016 goals and objectives focus on “the dual pursuit of cutting spending and improving the township’s quality of life.” These objectives include expanding the roster of shared services and redeveloping abandoned or underutilized properties including the Lunney site in North Middletown, the Steak and Ale property on Route 35 and the Belford Seafood Coop. Mayor Scharfenberger also expects to launch a Farmers’ Market, establish a Wellness Program and explore the possibility of uniform zip codes in all sections of the township this year.
Mayor Scharfenberger has been serving on the committee since 2005; he served as mayor from 2007-2008 and as deputy mayor in 2009 and 2006. Deputy Mayor Fiore has been serving on the governing body since 2009; he served Mayor in 2011 and 2012 as Deputy Mayor in 2010. The term of office for these positions is one year.
The selection of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor came after Committeeman Stephen G. Massell accepted his oath office to serve his third consecutive term on the Township Committee. The term of office for Township Committee members is three years.
The members of the 2016 Township Committee are: Mayor Gerard P. Scharfenberger, Deputy Mayor Anthony P. Fiore, Committeeman Stephen G. Massell, Committeewoman Stephanie C. Murray, and Committeeman Kevin M Settembrino.
Among the 2015 accomplishments referred to the Township Committee include having one of the lowest crime rates in 25-plus years, receipt of some $750,000 in state and federal grant funds, collection of more than three tons of food for the Middletown Food Pantry as part of the Mayor’s Food Basket, lease of the historic Grover house to the Navesink Maritime Group, revamp of township’s award-winning web site and revival of the historical commission. The township also launched a Community Identity Campaign (CIC) to promote a larger community identity in an expansive town. CIC initiatives include creation of resource guide and a new slogan (Many Neighborhoods. One Middletown!), Neighborhood Spotlight, a series of outreach session, in the township’s many neighborhoods, and the expansion of the Mayor for a Day program.
Middletown’s Fire Chiefs marked their appointments with oaths of office as well. They are Fire Chief John Gorsegner, Jr., Deputy Chief Anthony Citarella, First Assistant Ryan Clarke and Second Assistant Steven Schweizer and Third Assistant Russell W. Mount, III. Chief Gorsegner was also presented with a Key to the Township in honor of 50 years of his dedicated service as a firefighter.
The first round of Emergency Medical Department chiefs accepted oaths of office on Sunday as well. They are Chief Robert Plfeger, Deputy Chief Floyd Goldstein, and Assistant Chief Kim Kraynock.
Many volunteers turned out to accept oaths of office to serve on more the township’s boards, committees and commissions. Each group focuses on different aspects of the community and works to enhance Middletown’s quality of life. Residents are appointed to these positions by the Township Committee.
For more information call the Township Clerk at (732) 615-2015.