By JF Grodeska
ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS – Small-town politics, while contentious at times, can be as seemingly wholesome as a breath of fresh air. In large cities, the swearing-in of council members and mayors is performed under strict decorum and with the coldness of efficiency. In Atlantic Highlands, as in other boroughs and towns on the Bayshore, Reorganization Day is a day for the community to celebrate with the families of those elected and often other state and local officials.
At noon on New Year’s Day, after a benediction by Pastor Nicole Hamilton of the Atlantic Highlands Navesink United Methodist Church, Lori Hohenleitner was sworn in as mayor of Atlantic Highlands by U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-6).
Pallone also administered the oath of office to Jon Crowley, reelected to borough council, and newly elected council member Alyson Forbes who was surrounded by friends and family members.
Hohenleitner then certified the results of the fire department elections and administered the oath of office to Chief Cody Burbank, Assistant Chief Scott Burbank, and Capt. Sean McBride.
Crowley made a motion to select council member Brian Dougherty as the next council president.
“He’s more than capable and he’s passionate and he’ll do a great job in this capacity,” Crowley said.
The motion was seconded by council member Eileen Cusack and the vote was unanimous.
After approving administrative appointments and ordinances, Hohenleitner addressed the crowd, thanking volunteers, supporters and borough employees, led by borough administrator Rob Ferragina.
“We are truly blessed to have a wonderful team of employees within borough hall who handle the daily business of running our town.”
Hohenleitner was elected mayor by a slim margin – just four votes separated her from opponent James Murphy – and she alluded to the contentiousness that can sometimes arise during elections.
“We are neighbors before, during and after elections and being good neighbors must be everyone’s priority if we are truly to be the jewel of the Bayshore,” she said.
She spoke of her vision for Atlantic Highlands, saying she wants to be “practical and aspirational,” noting the council will take steps to address climate change, aging infrastructure and more. She said she wants the borough to be a place where “seniors and other vulnerable… populations thrive.”
The popular council “office hours” will continue in 2024, beginning Thursday. Hohenleitner said she will also hold office hours on Mondays beginning Jan 26.
The council will work on improving communications in other ways, too.
“We will also bring back the monthly newsletter in electronic form and delivered in paper form for those who request it,” she said.
“We will have Schoolhouse Rock-style workshop items on the agenda that ensure the public understands how local government works.”
During her speech, Hohenleitner acknowledged the loss of two longtime community leaders.
“In September, we lost past Mayor Helen Marchetti, who told me more than once to never promise anyone anything. It’s very good advice and I try to follow it whenever possible,” she said.
She also mentioned Walter Curry, who died in July.
“The Curry family’s generations of service to Atlantic Highlands is legendary and reaches every area committee and commission in town. I look forward to visiting Helen Marchetti Park as it is reimagined and standing alongside the Curry family and all of you when we dedicate memorial sites in his (Walter Curry’s) name.”
The 2024 mayor and council look a little different than in past years: James Murphy is the sole Republican in municipal government now.
The article originally appeared in the January 4 – January 10, 2024 print edition of The Two River Times.
