Risa Clay
By PETE WALTON
Risa Clay has been chosen as the new mayor of Tinton Falls.
Clay had been the president of the Borough Council and served temporarily as mayor following the
death last month of Vito Perillo, who was believed to be the nation’s oldest mayor when he died at the age of 100 Feb. 22.
When it met earlier this week, the council selected Clay to fill the remainder of Perillo’s second term, which expires at the end of the year.
The mayor’s post will be on the general election ballot in November.
“I look forward to a continued positive collaboration with our talented professionals, dedicated borough employees, and the wonderful residents of Tinton Falls,” Clay said after she was sworn into office by state Sen. Vin Gopal and Monmouth County Commissioner Director Thomas Arnone.
“As a 30-year resident of this town, I believe I have the knowledge and the dedication to lead this
team as we continue to move our town forward,” the new mayor continued. “There are so many strong aspects to our community. We have some of the best parks in Monmouth County. Our recreation program has offerings second to none. Our plan for the 75th anniversary [of the borough] will be fantastic.”
“As a police wife, I am keenly aware of the need to have a strong and capable network of first responders,” Clay said. “I pledge to continue to support our men and women who risk so much to protect us.”
Clay said that the borough has “quite a bit of growth coming,” including a hospital facility and support services for a film industry, with Netflix planning a 292-acre production complex on the former Fort Monmouth property in nearby Oceanport and Eatontown.
“Tinton Falls is an incredible place to live,” the new mayor said. “Together we can continue building a town that every resident is proud to call home, and a destination others will want to visit. I look forward to our continued progress.”
Also at the council meeting, Dr. Lawrence A. Dobrin, who had been deputy council president, was chosen to replace Clay as council president.
Councilman Michael J. Nesci was selected as deputy council president.
The votes for all three positions were unanimous.
