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Linden City swears in new council members, elects Ralph Strato as council president pro tem and adopts 2026 resolutions
Summary
At Linden City's reorganization meeting, newly elected and re-elected council members were sworn in, Ralph Strato was elected council president pro tem, and the council adopted Resolutions 2026-1 through 2026-13 by roll-call vote. The meeting included brief ceremonial remarks and scheduling announcements.
Linden City held its reorganization meeting where newly elected and re-elected council members took the oath of office and council leadership was selected. Council members sworn in included Barry Javec (2nd Ward), Monique Caldwell (3rd Ward), Kayla Lott (5th Ward), Eloy Delgado (6th Ward) and Ralph Strato (7th Ward). Mayor Derek Armstead and invited county and state dignitaries attended.
Monique Caldwell, sworn by the mayor, said she approached public service as a long-term commitment: "I stand before you tonight humble, grateful, and deeply aware of the responsibility that rests upon my shoulder." Kayla Lott outlined five campaign priorities she plans to pursue, including empowerment for families and children and increased transparency. Mayor Derek Armstead praised the council’s continuity and fiscal standing, saying the city has "maintained our fiscal solvency" while preparing to mentor a new cohort of members.
The council then nominated and unanimously swore in Ralph Strato as council president pro tem. The clerk administered the oath and Strato accepted the responsibilities of the post.
In business, the council considered and adopted a package of Resolutions numbered 2026-1 through 2026-13. The mayor called for the package, a motion was made and seconded, and the resolutions were approved by roll-call vote with all present members voting yes; one member (Mohammed) was recorded as excused. Earlier in the meeting the council also approved a motion to close the public comment period by a recorded roll call.
The council announced a reception at the JTG Center following the meeting and scheduled the next council conference for Jan. 20 at 5 p.m. and a regular council meeting for Jan. 20 at 7 p.m. The meeting adjourned by unanimous recorded vote of members present.
