Cittarelli winning the Reorgs

GOP gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli and Middletown Mayor Tony Perry celebrate Middletown’s reorganization on January 3, 2021

Municipal reorganizations are a big deal for New Jersey elected officials, especially during a gubernatorial election year. Newly elected and reelected mayors, council and committee members, and fire chiefs are celebrated and their families are thanked by their communities for their sacrifice. The new officials make optimistic speeches about the future of the communities and big shots from state and county government show up to issue the Oaths of Office and pose for pictures.

In 2009 former U.S. Attorney Chris Christie, not yet a declared candidate for Governor, was all over New Jersey swearing in mayors and council members on January 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. His first stop was Middletown where he issued the Oath of Office to newly elected Committeeman Tony Fiore as Mayor Gerry Scharfenberger looked on.

Former U.S. Attorney Chris Christie issues the Oath of Office to newly elected Middletown Committeeman Tony Fiore in January of 2009

Fiore bookended his career yesterday by swearing in his replacement, Ryan Clark, and Committeewoman Pat Snell, while 2021 gubernatorial hopeful Jack Ciattarelli was on hand to congratulate the winners and thank Fiore for his 12 years of service.

In 2017, Lt Governor Kim Guadagno swore in Freeholder Director Lillian Burry and many others throughout New Jersey. Guadagno made a special trip to Highlands on 1/1/2017 to recognize outgoing Mayor Frank Nolan for his efforts during Superstorm Sandy.

In 2016, Monmouth Democrat Chairman Vin Gopal accompanied Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, then the Dem front runner for Governor in 2017, to reorgs in Manalapan and Belmar.

COVID-19 has thwarted the pomp and circumstance of municipal reorganizations in 2021, but not their significance to the elected officials and their rank and file supporters

Jack Ciattarelli was all over the reorgs in Republican strongholds of Monmouth and Ocean Counties last weekend.

Ciattarelli swore in Lacy Township Deputy Mayor Nick Juliano and Colts Neck Mayor Michael Viola. In addition to Middletown, Ciattarelli appeared in Sea Bright and Point Pleasant Beach.

Did Lacey Township Republicans drop a hint by asking Jack Ciattarelli to swear in Deputy Mayor Nick Juliano? Lacey has a big block of votes at the county GOP convention to award the organization line. pic.twitter.com/XBLR744XME
— David Wildstein (@wildstein) January 1, 2021

It was my honor to administer the oath of office to the next Mayor of Colts Neck Township, Michael Viola. Colts Neck is…
Posted by Jack Ciattarelli on Saturday, January 2, 2021

Doug Steinhardt stayed close to home in Warren, where he is the GOP County Chairman.

I had the honor & privilege of swearing in my friend & Warren County’s newest County Commissioner Lori Ciesla. Congratulations Commissioner #warrencountynj
Posted by Doug Steinhardt on Saturday, January 2, 2021