Sam Joshi sworn in as Edison mayor; three new council members take oaths

Mayor Sam Joshi was sworn in as mayor of the Township of Edison at a public inauguration that included the administration of oaths for three newly elected council members and a keynote appearance by Governor Phil Murphy.

Gail Policowski, the master of ceremonies, opened the event by recounting Joshi’s roots as a student at John P. Stevens High School and introducing the program. The Edison Fire and Police Honor Guard presented the colors and Edison Police Chief Thomas Bryan led the pledge of allegiance, followed by a performance of the national anthem by Amanda Misaro.

Council member‑elect Kelly Dimma was sworn in by Assemblyman Robert Carabincek. Dimma, introduced as a lifelong Edison resident and volunteer leader, recited the oath to support both the U.S. and New Jersey constitutions and to faithfully perform the duties of councilwoman for the township of Edison. "I, Kelly Dimma, do solemnly swear..." she repeated with the assembly.

Robert John Kentos, described in the program as a 15th‑generation Edison resident and local historical society leader, was sworn in by Michael Lombardi, Esquire. Biral Patel, whose bio referenced prior service on the Edison Board of Education and local advisory committees, was sworn in by Assemblyman Robert Carabincek.

Governor Phil Murphy addressed the crowd, praising Joshi’s leadership on public safety and support for small business. Murphy described Edison as an important economic and cultural center in the state and said Joshi had helped lead the community on issues including efforts to address vehicle theft and home invasions. "Sam is the mayor of the fastest growing Indian community outside of India in the world," Murphy said during his remarks.

After taking the oath, Mayor Sam Joshi thanked family, staff and the outgoing council members and outlined priorities for his new four‑year term. Joshi cited recent election margins—68 percent in June and a final 72 percent in November—as evidence of broad voter support and said he planned a "state of the township" address on Feb. 3 to announce timelines and key appointments. He listed immediate priorities including public safety, road paving and measures to reduce local expenses, and called for continued community engagement.

The ceremony included acknowledgments of numerous visiting elected officials and local leaders and concluded with thanks to staff and volunteers before adjournment. The mayor and council members begin their official terms following the administration of the oath.