LONGPORT – The Board of Commissioners Wednesday, Jan. 15 held a reorganization meeting to install three commissioners, elect a mayor and deputy mayor, and make professional appointments. The atmosphere was festive as Council Chambers at Borough Hall was packed with supporters and government officials.
The Honorable Carl Tripician, who is currently municipal court judge in Absecon, swore in Daniel Lawler, to his fifth term on the board, and newcomers Patrick Armstrong, who currently serves as Margate’s deputy fire chief, and resident and businessman James Ulmer.
Municipal Court Judge Carl Tripician administers the oath of offce to Patrick Armstrong. Armstrong's wife Krista holds the Bible while his son Tom proudly looks on. As the men took the dais, they tackled their first order of business – appointing the mayor and deputy mayor who will serve for the next four years. Armstrong received a hearty round of applause after being appointed mayor, and Ulmer will serve as deputy mayor. The board also adopted resolutions approving each commissioner’s responsibilities for oversight of various departments. Ulmer will serve as Commissioner of Revenue and Finance, Armstrong will serve as Commissioner of Public Works, Parks and Property and Lawler will continue in his role as Commissioner of Public Safety and Public Affairs.
Muncipal Court Judge Carl Tripician swears in Longport Commissioner Jim Ulmer while his wife Donna holds the Bible. Armstrong spoke for the “We Love Longport” team, which was unopposed in the November election, thanking Lawler for the opportunity to lead “with his guidance and wisdom with 16 years as commissioner,” their spouses and family members.
“We are excited to announce some new programs for our seniors – stay tuned – and not one, not two, but three possible new parks for Longport,” Armstrong said.
He also recognized employees, Police Department, Public Works, American Legion Post 469, Longport Public Library staff and Fire Department volunteers for their dedicated service to the community.
“Their work in town is so incredible,” he said.
Municipal Court Judge Carl Tripician swears in fourth-term Commissioner Dan Lawler, while his wife Suzi Lawler holds the Bible. He also recognized District 2 Legislators, especially Assemblywoman Claire Swift who lives in Margate where Armstrong serves as Deputy Fire Chief, for encouraging him to run for office.
Lawler presented outgoing Mayor Nicholas Russo and Commissioner Jim Leeds, who each served four consecutive terms in office, with plaques and gifts for their many years of dedicated public service.
“We got you these nice clocks with compasses on them so you can find your way home,” Lawler said, which brought hearty laughter from the audience. “It has been a pleasure working with these gentlemen for 16 years.”
Russo provided some levity noting the clocks were not Rolexes.
He thanked residents for their confidence over the last 16 years in providing the day-to-day services that “your require, expect and deserve.”
He noted that employees keep municipal governments efficient year-round.
“Their dedication, pride in their tasks and handling unexpected challenges, putting on a uniform and coming to work, sometimes in adverse weather conditions, is nothing short of commendable,” he said..
Volunteers of the Fire Department, Planning and Zoning Board, Board of Education and Public Library make Longport “the epitome of small town America,” he said.
Russo assured residents he would be around for people who contact him for those very serious issues, such as a child going to the beach with a ball that clearly states No Ball Playing, or when a neighbor parks their car over the white line in the street.
He encouraged them to still call, and he provided his “new cell phone number,” winking and pointing to Armstrong.
Leeds thanked the borough’s residents, employees and volunteers for their support during their terms in office.
“We did good, and we are leaving the town in good shape,” he said.
The meeting adjourned to an “inaugural ball” hosted at Lamberti’s restaurant just over the Longport border in Margate.
Residents, dignitaries and supporters mingled, enjoying great food and two specialty cakes that replicated the We Love Longport political signs and a second featuring a photograph of Russo and Leeds.
The Longport Board of Commissioners held a reorganization meeting Wednesday, Jan. 15 swearing in Dan Lawler, Pat Armstrong and Jim Ulmer to four-year terms, and electing Armstrong to be mayor.
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