Michael Brantley, a dentist with an office in Asbury Park, was sworn in as Neptune’s mayor on Jan. 1.
Also sworn in was Mary Beth Jahn as deputy mayor.
Superior Court Judge Lawrence Lawson, who was elected the township’s first black mayor, officiated at the swearing in ceremonies.
In his speech to residents on New Year’s Day Brantley thanked his family for their support, volunteers for their continued service and township employees for their dedication.
“This is an exciting time for our great township; we are the diamond in the rough that is on the verge of revealing its true brilliance,” he said. “We are fortunate to have two very intelligent and experienced professionals; Township Administrator Mr. Phil Huhn and Chief Financial Officer Mr. Michael Bascon who recognized years ago Neptune’s potential and started the process of uncovering our great value.
“There are also many citizens who have played major roles and are continuing to do so by volunteering their time and energy in our quest; Together, you are the diamond that I am talking about, the heroes of Neptune Township. We could not have come this far and we cannot complete our task without our heroes that are employed in our various township departments, including our police department (which is one of the finest in the state), heroes who volunteer on the township committees, the township boards, all of our first rate first responders and organized citizens’ (groups.”
Brantley said although it is difficult to control costs with state mandated expenditures, he and the committee will continue to rise to the challenge. He also said he was pleased to see the redevelopment of West Lake Avenue move forward.
“On Dec. 16 we were extremely proud to participate in the groundbreaking ceremony for the start of our Midtown redevelopment project and we are looking forward to a groundbreaking on our Ridge Avenue Project this coming spring 2009,” he said.
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