Linda Brady was sworn into office last week as the newest member of the Neptune City Borough.
She replaces Christopher Gallagher, a Democrat, who won a seat in the November election but in December said he could not accept the position due to career obligations. The Democratic Party then submitted three names to the council as possible replacements. They were Brady, Jenee Farley, and Christopher Miller. Brady and Farley addressed the council prior to their decision during the Jan. 28 meeting.
“I want to thank the Monmouth County Democrats for trusting my ability to fulfill the position for council,” said Farley, who has been volunteering in various capacities including the PTA in Asbury Park.
If elected, “I’d do my best to be an advocate and a liaison for the community. Thank you again for this opportunity.”
Brady, a realtor for ReMax and active member of Trinity Church in Asbury Park for over 20 years also addressed the council stating that when asked to be a candidate she was extremely pleased because her father was an active member of his community.
“My father said it (serving the community) was one of the best things you can do,” Brady said.
The council unanimously elected Brady who was then sworn into office by Borough Administrator Mary Sapp.
“I want to thank everyone for volunteering,” Mayor Robert Brown said.”You can’t sit up here and not care for Neptune City. It’s a great honor. There’s many ways to serve in Neptune City and we’re always looking for volunteers.”
In addition to filling the council vacancy, the council agreed to waive membership fees for Neptune City senior citizen residents ages 60 and up, or access into the Neptune City Community Center.
The council meeting was moved from its regularly scheduled Monday evening to Wednesday afternoon due to the State of Emergency declared by Governor Chris Christie on Monday.
“We were very well prepared (for the storm),” Brown said. “I’ll take the eight inches over the 24 inches anytime.”
Brown sent out a special thank you to Bruce Weiss, a member of the Neptune City Fire Department and Office of Emergency Management, who helps put with cooking during emergencies.
Neptune City resident Bob Shafer said that the town “went through the storm with flying colors,” noting that there weren’t many cars on the street, which allowed the Public Works Department to clear the streets quickly and easily.
“I commend everyone for an outstanding job,” Shafer said.
Brown noted that because of the revers 911 call, the borough is able to notify residents with as much information as possible, which “really pays offs because one day after eight inches of snow, we have blacktop.”