WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2023
centraljersey.com
Investments in infrastructure, education and quality of life continue in Middlesex County By KATHY CHANG
Managing Editor
Edison,” he said. “We must continue implementing projects and programs that improve the quality of life for residents including providing economic opportunity and promoting physical and psychological well-being.” Poyner said he looks forward to collaborating with his colleagues on numerous initiatives they have brought forth both in the past and going forward. He also requested residents to stay engaged in local politics and continue providing feedback on township items. Harris said she was “honored, grateful and humbled” to serve as council vice president. She said council members sit on the dais at the “behest” of the public. “I’m looking forward to the partner(Continued on page 6)
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE METRO-JERSEY SECTION OF NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN
The Metro-Jersey Section of National Council of Jewish Women continues a long-standing tradition of presenting ‘Goodies to the Good Guys’ on Christmas Day. Police, fire, first aid squads, local hospitals from Edison and surrounding communities and the Veterans’ Home in Menlo Park all receive the ‘goodies.’ Pictured from left side of the table to right are Sherry Weber, Susan Leckart, Dottie Krugman, and Joan Shkedi. These are the women who packed up the “Goodies” for distribution to those Good Guys whom we honor each year. Right: Some of those brave men who received the goodies this year are from the Edison Fire Department.
Poyner, Harris to lead Edison Township Council By KATHY CHANG
Managing Editor
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he Edison Township Council has reorganized with new leadership. Councilman John Poyner was nominated and selected – 5-2 – as council president and Councilwoman Margot Harris – 6-1 – was nominated and selected as council vice president at a reorganization meeting on Jan. 4. Councilman Richard Brescher and Councilwoman Joyce Ship-Freeman voted against Poyner’s nomination. Ship-Freeman voted against Harris’ nomination. Poyner thanked his council colleagues for the privilege and faith they entrusted in him to serve as council president for 2023. “Even with the tremendous stride of achievements of 2022, we know plenty
of work still [lies] ahead,” he said. “As we finalize our master plan, we need to ensure we take the necessary measures in adjusting our laws to reflect the desired goals and objectives. “This includes additional guidelines on uses such as warehouses, billboards, storage facilities and duplexes. “We must act to protect our environment [by] reviewing items such as net zero initiatives, green purchasing practices, deterrents and enforcement against clear cutting and updating tree replacement guidelines,” Poyner said. The council president said officials “must continue to develop plans of action and make the required investments necessary to upgrade the township’s aged infrastructure.” “We must keep making the technological advances necessary to maintain excellent services for the taxpayers of
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he Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners are moving full steam ahead into the new year as investments in infrastructure, education and quality of life are on the horizon. After being selected – once again – by his fellow commissioners to lead their dais as commissioner director, Ronald G. Rios said they look to continue to “foster and create vital partnerships” that attributed to the county’s accomplishments and financial strength in 2022. Rios reflected on those accomplishments and touched on what is next at a reorganization meeting on Jan. 5 held at the Performing Arts Center on the Middlesex College campus in Edison. Nearly 500 people were in attendance, according to a press release through Middlesex County. “Over the past year, my colleagues and I have been proud to see our community overcome challenges and fulfill the promise of a brighter future – for our residents, for our businesses, and for our families,” Rios said. “We’ve been able to do this by building public and private partnerships at the local, state, and federal level. These collaborations make a brighter future possible.” Investing in infrastructure The County Commissioners continue to build upon the foundation of Desti-