Egg Harbor Township committee appoints Paul Rosenberg to vacant seat, administers oath

The Egg Harbor Township Committee on Feb. 3 appointed Paul Rosenberg to fill the committee seat left vacant by the resignation of Joe Cepero, effective Jan. 30.

The appointment came after the township clerk confirmed three names submitted by the Republican County Committee: Joel Campbell, Doris Dilley and Paul Rosenberg. After brief bios were read for each candidate, a member of the governing body nominated Rosenberg; the nomination was seconded and approved by roll call.

The committee voted unanimously to appoint Rosenberg. The roll-call votes recorded in the meeting were: Ray Ellis — yes; Paul Hudson — yes; William Pauls — yes; Paul Rosenberg — yes; Laura Farmer — yes. Following the vote, an official administered the oath of office; Rosenberg recited the oath and was sworn in as a member of the township committee. Afterward Rosenberg said the appointment was the culmination of a long-held desire to serve and pledged to “work to the best of my ability for every one of you.”

Why it matters: The committee must fill vacancies under the Municipal Vacancies Act; the new member will participate in committee decisions immediately, including votes taken the night of his appointment.

Background and process: At the meeting the clerk read the statutory requirement to discuss a vacancy and consider names submitted by the county party committee. The three candidates’ backgrounds were summarized at the dais: Joel Campbell (teacher), Doris Dilley (former school board member and longtime resident) and Paul Rosenberg (former business owner and long-serving planning-board member). After the governing body selected Rosenberg, committee members offered congratulations and brief remarks.

What was not decided: The meeting minutes and discussion show the appointment was final; no additional committee assignments for Rosenberg were announced at that time.