 Coaster Photo: Dorothy ODonnell signs a municipal document after being sworn in for another term on the Deal Board of Commissioners. Harry Franco (center) also was sworn in along with Morris Ades (right) as Judge Mark Apostolou looks on |
By DON STINE
Political stability in Deal continued this week after longtime Board of Commission members Harry I. Franco and Dorothy ODonnell were sworn into office.
Commissioner Morris Ades was also sworn into office for his first full term. All three commissioners were re-elected to four-year terms last month.
Franco was appointed to fill an unexpired term in 1979 and won his first full term in 1980. He has served as mayor for the past 13 years and was again appointed mayor for the next four years.
ODonnell has served on the board for 12 years and begins her fourth full term.
Thirteen years ago when I was sworn in as mayor I promised to maintain the high standards that Deal residents have become accustomed to. Today I renew that pledge and as mayor I will dedicate myself in upholding the orderly, quiet, and respectable environment of a well-run town that made Deal a safe and great place to live, Franco said after being sworn in.
Franco, who will also head the public affairs and safety departments, said his administration will strive to improve municipal services, upgrade the infrastructure, and obtain grants whenever possible.
We will maintain and improve the quality of life that we now enjoy at the lowest possible tax rate, he said.
ODonnell, who will head the public works and public property departments, said it has been a pleasure to work with Mayor Franco and other borough officials and employees over the years.
I want to thank voters for putting me back (in office) and we will continue doing what we have been doing, she said.
Ades, who will head the departments of revenue and finance, joked that this is the second time he has been sworn into borough office in the last four months. He was appointed earlier in the year to fill an unexpired term left vacant after Dennis Dayan retired.
As a team I think we will work fabulously together, he said.
Many people praised both the borough and the board after the swearing in ceremony.
The most pleasure in my business is working with Deal officials. It is absolutely the jewel of the Jersey shore and one of the best communities in the state of New Jersey, said Peter Avakian, the borough engineer.
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