Three incumbent Manchester Township Council members took their Oaths of Office during the annual Reorganization Meeting held at the Municipal Complex Courtroom on Wednesday, January 4, 2017.

Taking their Oaths were James A. Vaccaro, Sr., Samuel F. Fusaro, and Charles L. Frattini, Sr., who won their reelection bids this past November. Mr. Vaccaro and Mr. Frattini are beginning their second terms as Council Members; Mr. Fusaro served on the Council for 16 years starting in 1990, returned to fill a vacant seat in 2011 and won re-election in 2012.

For the first order of business, Mr. Fusaro was elected to lead as Council President and Council Member Craig Wallis was elected Vice President. In public remarks, Mr. Fusaro expressed his gratitude to Manchester Township’s employees for their dedication to providing exemplary services to residents on a daily basis.

“I have no doubt in my mind that our employees today are the best crew we’ve had in the 20-plus years that I have served as Council Member,” said Mr. Fusaro.

He also took a moment to remember and honor retired Council Member Kenneth Vanderziel, who recently passed away. Mr. Vanderziel joined the Council in 1990 along with Mr. Fusaro and worked to fix the corruption issues of the previous Township Administrator.

“No matter how difficult things had gotten, Ken was calm, logical, and dealt with whatever had to be done,” Mr. Fusaro said. “I can’t say enough about what he taught me and what he taught all Council Members. He was a great role model.”

Mayor Kenneth Palmer offered remarks in praise of the Council and all Township employees. “I’m very proud to be Manchester’s Mayor, I’m proud to serve with you gentlemen, and I look forward to another great year,” he said.

The composition of the full Township Council for 2017 is: President Samuel F. Fusaro, Vice President Craig Wallis, Council Member James A. Vaccaro, Sr., Council Member Brendan Weiner, and Council Member Charles L. Frattini, Sr.

Other items at the Reorganization Meeting included the appointment of Manchester Township’s professional services and establishment of meeting dates for 2017. Information about Manchester’s Township Council, its members, meeting agendas, and minutes can be found at www.ManchesterTwp.com/town-council.