Politics & Government

Robbins Sworn In As Mayor As Lakehurst Government Reorganizes

The borough council also welcomed two new members to the governing body

Lakehurst has a new mayor to start the new year as Harry Robbins took the oath of office to succeed Timothy Borsetti during the reorganzation meeting on Jan. 1.

"I'm a little nervous today," said Robbins, a Republican who  in the November general election when he . "I can only thank the voting residents for this opportunity."

Robbins vowed to make himself accessible to Lakehurst residents; he plans to begin holding informal monthly mayor meetings and will establish a residents advisory committee to seek public input when the time comes to create next year's budget. 

Find out what's happening in Manchesterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Robbins said that the meetings held former mayor Alton Tilton, who served 20 years ago, were an inspiration.

"I thought that was a fantastic thing, to sit around and chew the fat," Robbins said. "I'm your neighbor. So if you want to say something, stop by."

Find out what's happening in Manchesterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Also sworn in to the council were Republicans Ed Seaman, who serves as the borough's fire department chief, and Robbin Busch who defeated independent Gary Lowe, a former borough police sergeant, for the two available seats. 

"It was a busy year and I hope to have a good year and do right for the people and make a difference," Seaman said during his first council report.

"I'm looking forward to a positive new year," Busch said when it was her turn to speak.

Council member Sid Hooper decided not to seek another term on the body, while council member Patricia Ford was defeated in the Republican primary. Glenn McComas and Steven Oglesby — who were reelected to three year terms last year — as well as James Davis — who won reelection in 2009 — will continue to serve on the council. All are Republicans.

James Davis was appointed to lead the council as its president this year, the position held by Robbins last year.

Borsetti, now returning to life as a Lakehurst resident, took a seat in the audience after initially starting the meeting and handing his duties over to Robbins.

"I hope they do well," Borsetti said. "They will have their hands full. The budget will be tight again this year."

Robbins' council seat will be filled by an appointment made by the council at the Jan. 19 meeting, 7:30 p.m. at the community center on Center Street. 

 Officer Jeffrey Emmons, a former Class II Special Officer who was promoted to a full-time position on the force in November, officially took his oath at the meeting.

Manchester , unlike most New Jersey municipalities, it operates on a fiscal year cycle, rather than calendar year.

Manchester Patch will have continuing coverage of the changes to Lakehurst municipal government in the coming days.


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