 Coaster Photo: George Bachar kisses his wife after sworn in as a Bradley Beach Borough Councilman. |
In every town members of the governing body bring their own areas of expertise to the table.
Bradley Beach now has a member who knows all about the world of specialty lighting.
George Bachar was elected to fill one of the vacant seats at the councils July 1 reorganization meeting.
Bachar has worked in the field of specialty lighting, such as that used for studios and stages as well as medical and hospital settings, since the 1950s.
In 1997 he became a partner in a company called Professional Lamps, Inc., based in Farmingdale.
His daughter Debbie, the oldest of the couples four children, is the sales manager for the company.
Bachar works part time serving as secretary/treasurer of the company.
He is very active in Church of the Ascension and chaired the 100th Anniversary celebration for the church. He also serves as an usher and Eucharistic minister.
Previously he served on the environmental commission.
Since he began his semi-retirement he says he has more time to devote to the community.
Ill do whatever they need me to do, he said.
Bachar was a member of the Board of Adjustment but had to vacate the position when he became a councilman.
Since Ive been promoted, he joked.
He and his wife Joan have owned property in the borough since 1981, but Bachars family ties go back to the 1960s when his aunts and parents owned homes here.
Bachar said he plans to seek election in November for the unexpired term ending in 2010.
He said he became interested in the council when Mayor Julie Schreck asked him about the possibility of installing LED lighting on Main Street to cut costs and improve efficiency.
I gave her an education in LED lighting, he said.
After she was elected Schreck asked Bachar to be on her transition team.
He said when Councilman Thomas Volante resigned he decided to submit a letter of intent for the council seat.
I think I can make a contribution, he said.
Bachar said he has a few projects he is interested in working on.
Asked in which areas he would like to focus, he said, The whole town, I love this town.
His wife is a beach badge seller and works part time for the lighting company.
The couple has four children and seven grandchildren with a great grandchild on the way.
Joan, he said, is delighted he is on the council.
Otherwise I wouldnt do it, he said laughing.
I want to do good for the town, and I have the time.
Bachar said he is happy with the changes he has seen in the town since moving here.
Its all been for the better, he said. And theres more to come its a family town, and we want to make sure it evolves that way. We have a beach, a movie theater, good transportation.
As for his first full meeting, he said, Im ready to go.
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