WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2023
centraljersey.com
Investments in infrastructure, education and quality of life continue in Middlesex County By KATHY CHANG
Managing Editor
T tion. We accomplished a lot, there’s still a lot to accomplish. I’m very proud to have worked with each and every one of you,” Harris said. He further stated that although bittersweet, his departure provides new members with an opportunity to positively impact North Brunswick. “To our two new members, Jason and Zaire, welcome. You’ll fit right in. Everything happens for a reason and even though it’s bittersweet that Janelle and I are leaving, it gives an opportunity for new folks to come in with fresh eyes and fresh ideas,” he said. Following his statements, the oath of office was individually given to Keefe, Ali, and Harris, certifying their positions as official members. The board then moved to elect it’s president and vice president. Richard Liguori was selected to serve as president after securing a 6-3 majority vote over fellow board member, David Brockman. Hayley Toth was selected to
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 Destination 2040, the County’s strategic plan
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North Brunswick BOE members - Zaire S. Ali and Jason Carter.
North Brunswick BOE welcomes two new board members By TYLER BROWN Staff Writer
The New Year for North Brunswick’s Board of Education is underway as the board has officially reorganized. On Jan. 4, public officials and township residents gathered to inaugurate new board members and fill the positions of president and vice president. To begin, the winners of the 2022 General Election were formally sworn into office. Incumbent Coleen Keefe, along with newcomers Zaire Ali and Jason Carter were each elected to serve a three-year term on the board. Former board president, Barry Duran Harris, and Janelle Zulick, who served as a fill-in member since 2021, were not reelected. In honor of their service, both were recognized with a commemorative plaque. Zulick was not present at the meeting, but Superintendent Janet Ciarrocca stated, “I would like to really thank her
for her time and service to the students and community members of North Brunswick. Her dedication was very clear and she was here for the students. So, we really thank her for that.” Harris, who served two consecutive terms, explained that his decision to join the board was about representation and the community. “There [were] two reasons why I joined the board, initially. One was being that we live in such a diverse town, it’s always been my belief that those in certain positions should represent the population of the community … When I look at the diversity on our board – gender, age, ethnicity, professional background and experience on the board, I’m very proud to be a part of this team and what we evolved from. “Secondly, and most importantly, it was to serve the community … This position is really a position of service and I’ve been honored to serve the community. I just want to thank the rest of the board for your teamwork and collabora-