Bodall takes Morales' spot on J'burg council

BY JESSICA SMITH
Staff Writer

Tom Bodall JAMESBURG - - The youngest Borough Council member in the town's history has been appointed to succeed an Iraq war veteran who stepped down from his second term on the council.

Tom Bodall, 22, who is also the borough historian, was chosen to fill the unexpired term vacated by Carlos Morales, who was first elected in 2002.

"It's an honor just to serve on the council," Bodall said.

Morales, a staff sergeant with the U.S. Air Force, served in Iraq from August until late January. Though his seat on the council was held during his time at war, Morales said he is going through a divorce, and had to move back to his native Elizabeth.

"It came down to me leaving Jamesburg," Morales said. "I love Jamesburg. I enjoyed representing the people of Jamesburg."

The Democrat's recent tour of duty was not his first. Morales also served in Operation Desert Storm.

In Jamesburg, his involvement included volunteering with the fire department and EMS.

"He was a very good council person," Mayor Anthony LaMantia said.

After Morales stepped down, representatives of the Democratic Party had 15 days to issue three nominees to be appointed in his place. From there, the council had 30 days to choose from the nominees.

"It was a hard decision, because they were all … qualified individuals," LaMantia said.

"I've known the young man for quite a few years," the mayor said of Bodall. "He's very interested in the town, and he's the borough historian."

Bodall's involvement with Jamesburg extends past his work as historian, including serving as vice president of the Jamesburg Historical Association, and membership in the civic association, high school alumni association and chamber of commerce. He runs several Web sites that provide information on the town, including www.Jamesburg.net and www.Jamesburg.info. Bodall has also operated the Web site for Jamesburg's schools for a number of years.

"I would like to continue the efforts to make the town better," Bodall said. "I'd like to see the revitalization of Jamesburg continue."

Bodall said he would like to work with residents, business owners and other stakeholders in the town to realize a vision for the future. Attracting new businesses to town is another one of Bodall's priorities, he said, as well as seeing through the completion of the restoration of the Buckelew Mansion.

Other improvements Bodall said he would like to help instate would be infrastructural. Working on securing grants to provide better sidewalks and curbing would be a way to avoid burdening taxpayers with such projects, he said.

A history major with a minor in political science at Rowan University, Glassboro, Bodall is in his senior year.

"I'd like to get more young people involved in borough organizations," Bodall said. "The town belongs to everyone. Everyone should have a say in government, and everyone does - it's a matter of whether you exercise it or not."

Bodall is following in a family tradition of service to the community. His father, Thomas, is a longtime Jamesburg Board of Education member. His mother, JoAnn, who died in 2005, contributed to the town in various volunteer capacities, including serving as PTA president.

Tom Bodall was appointed to serve through Dec. 31. He will seek election in November to complete the final year of the unexpired term.