Martin, Mathieu Sworn In to Garwood Council

First-time Councilman Mike Martin and returning Councilman Jim Mathieu were sworn in at Garwood's annual reorganization meeting this week. 

Mathieu (Conservative Republican) and Martin (Regular Garwood GOP) beat write-in challenger Bruce Paterson (Independent) in November's election. (The Garwood Democrats did not field a candidate in the election.) This will be Mathieu's second term on council. Martin, who also ran in 2012, was the top vote-getter.

Martin was sworn in by Assemblyman Jon Bramnick and Mathieu by Assemblywoman Nancy Munoz. 

"It's wonderful to be back," said Mathieu after taking his seat on the dais. "I love being a councilman. Serving Garwood has been one of the greatest honors of my life."

Mathieu added that this was a big year big for his family, as he welcomed a son and bought a second home in the borough for his mother. He also reflected on losing his father-in-law, Ronald D. Marotta, who once served as mayor of Cranford.  

Martin also spoke about what an honor it will be for him to serve the borough. 

"I'm not going to talk about me, I'm going to talk about you," said Martin. "You all have the right to expect the best government we can give you. I will remain true to the swearing in and the promise I will help do that." 

In other business at the meeting, Councilwoman Ann Palmer was unanimously chosen as council president. Former Council President Sara Todisco will again lead the borough's budget process, as the mayor reappointed her as finance chair. 

Check back for our story on Mayor Patricia Quattrocchi's State of the Borough address.