New council leadership elected, sworn in as well
Three council members were sworn into their roles at the reorganization meeting on Jan. 3. Sean Longfellow was sworn in to his second term, while his running mates, Andrea Dougherty and Andra Pasquarella Williams, were sworn in to their first terms.
Swearing in the new council members were State Senate President Stephen Sweeney and Freeholder Dan Christy.
After the ceremony, Longfellow nominated Joe Perry for council president. He was unanimously elected. Longfellow was nominated by Perry for vice president and also was unanimously elected.
“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve,” Pasquarella Williams said. “I’m excited to begin this new chapter. I have a lot of ideas, I’m ambitious and ready to get to work. I intend to perform this job with integrity and respect for all of you.”
Longfellow spoke about his last term, saying he experienced and learned a lot from people in the courtroom.
“Thank you all for support throughout my first term as well as going forward into my second term as a council member here in Washington Township,” he said. “What’s most encouraging to me, is throughout these last years and what I’m looking forward to most is the continuation of building a team that can accomplish great things. With the help of Mayor (Joann) Gattinelli and her administration, I’m confident that together we’ll be able to continue the positive progress Washington Township has seen over the past two years.”
Dougherty thanked her family for their support and the community for electing her.
“This goal would have never gotten accomplished without the love and support of many,” she said. “I’m honored to join the council here in Washington Township, and I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds.”
Gattinelli, much like the council members, looked to the future.
“I look forward to working with all of you for this upcoming new year,” she said. “We’ve got a lot of projects that we want to work on and hit the ground running. I’m excited for you and what we can do moving forward. We’re going to start the new year on a positive note and there’s more to come.”
In other news:
- Chief of Police Pat Gurcsik presented Officer Dennis McGrail with the Police Officer of the Year award.
“There were many outstanding nominations,” Gurcsik said. “Recognized for quality work ethic, a high degree of professionalism, motivation, dedication, integrity and commitment to community caretaking. This award goes to Officer Denny McGrail.”
- Jefferson Health awarded Washington Township $20,000 for a bike share program to be implemented at Washington Lake Park.
- Gattinelli awarded Lt. William Lee with an award for excellence in policing and mentorship.
“Tonight we thank Lt. Lee for your willingness to be a mentor to Officer McGrail. One of the biggest ways to show respect for others is by valuing their time. When you mentor someone, the truth is you may be in a position of leadership and your time may be very valuable but that’s irrelevant when you’re truly a mentor.”
- Gattinelli surprised Perry with a leadership award as well.
- The next council meeting is scheduled for Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. at the municipal building.
