Some standout officials wrap service as '06 ends

The new year brings with it many changes to our local governing bodies, including the departures of several longtime and effective officials and the arrival of fresh new faces. In one town, political control has also changed.

Leaving our local governing bodies this year is a class that ranges from watchdogs to veterans. In the cases of East Brunswick's Christi Calvano and Jamesburg's Chris Maloney, the departing officials represented the voice of the opposing party, which will now be absent from the dais.

Calvano wraps up four years as the Township Council's only Republican. The sole GOP member to be elected in East Brunswick this decade, Calvano did a commendable job of representing the minority and residents as a whole. She consistently raised questions and sought to have business done as openly as possible. The loss of her voice on the council will be felt.

Maloney, who like Calvano chose not to seek re-election, served for three years as the only Republican on the Jamesburg Borough Council. He helped to bring more lively discussion to borough politics and served his constituents honorably.

One of Helmetta's most outspoken public officials in recent history, Tom Reid, wrapped up nine years of service on the Borough Council this week. Reid switched political parties several times, but will be remembered for representing the residents and helping with a myriad of projects since 1996.

In Milltown, Borough Council President Brian Bosworth wraps up 12 years of service in which he worked on numerous committees and countless projects. Bosworth also represented the council on the Planning Board.

The longest-serving elected official to leave office this week is South River's Richard Reichenbach, who like Bosworth lost in his bid for re-election Nov. 7. Reichenbach has been involved with borough government either as a member of the Borough Council or Planning Board since 1969, with the exception of one year in the mid-1970s. Indeed, there are few public servants in Middlesex County who have volunteered so much time for the benefit of their community.

And it is in South River where the greatest change has occurred politically. Republicans, long in the minority there, now enjoy half the seats on the six-member Borough Council. There are merits to having both parties represented, as this should result in more dialogue and a greater system of checks and balances. It is our hope that the Democrats and Republicans will work cooperatively to hammer out the best results in this new era.

To our new elected officials - East Brunswick's Ed Luster, Jamesburg's Brian Grimes, Helmetta's Robert Janeczek, Milltown's Randy Farkas and South River's John Trzeciak - we wish you success as you set out on this important service to your community. We hope that you will think independently and act in the best interests of all those you serve.