Bishop Expected to be Named Neptune’s New Mayor
By DON STINE
Neptune Deputy Mayor Randy Bishop will most likely become the Township Committees next mayor at its Jan. 1 reorganization meeting.
Bishop, a Democrat who is beginning his fourth year on the governing body, said he has had expressions of support to be mayor from a majority of the committee.
The swearing in ceremony is scheduled for noon at the Neptune Senior Citizen Center at Neptune Boulevard and Route 33.
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I am very excited and feel its quite an honor but I also realize, and try to keep this in the forefront of my mind, that I am one among equals. And while the mayor runs the meetings and is looked at as the point person there are always four other people who also govern, he said.
Bishop said he wants to keep focused during the next year on the top issues in the township.
I want to make certain we dont lose focus on many primary things, he said.
In particular, Bishop said he wants to especially look at the West Lake and Ridge Avenue redevelopment projects.
They are long overdue in moving forward, he said.
Bishop also said he wants to make the township more computer friendly for its residents.
I am interested in making strides to make the township government more accessible online and more savvy in how we interact with residents, he said.
Bishop is the co-owner of the Melrose Inn in Ocean Grove with his partner, Daniel Margo.
Bishop will now become the third openly-gay mayor in New Jersey, preceded by Gina Genovese of Long Hill in 2006 and Tim Eustace of Maywood this year.
Being gay is not an overriding issue and is, in reality, a small part of who I am, Bishop said.
Current Mayor James Manning Jr. said he supports Bishops appointment as the new mayor.
He has done a great job for the township and has been on the Township Committee for three years and deputy mayor for the last year, Manning said.
Manning has been mayor three different times on the committee and will begin his 13th year on the governing body Jan. 1.
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