Tony Perry sworn in as Middletown mayor; outlines 2026 priorities on open space, parks and veterans housing

Tony Perry was sworn in as mayor of Middletown and used his first address of 2026 to emphasize land preservation, parks improvements and support for veterans and volunteers.

Perry, speaking after his swearing-in, framed the year through the national America 250 milestone and pressed local stewardship as the town’s guiding principle. “This past year, Middletown acquired more than 100 acres of open space, more than any other point in our township's history,” Perry said, noting the acquisitions as a permanent investment in the township’s future.

Why it matters: Perry presented land protection as central to Middletown’s character and growth strategy and laid out capital and program priorities that will shape budget and planning conversations in 2026. He described park upgrades — including field and court improvements and a library walk at Forest View Park — as high-priority, practical investments for families.

The mayor singled out planned capital work for community facilities: a $1,300,000 improvement project at the Middletown Senior Center that will include new HVAC, lighting, bathrooms, roof, windows and ADA upgrades, and a $1,400,000 renovation at the World Trade Center Memorial Gardens to restore pathways, lighting and landscaping. Perry also said the township is advancing veterans housing efforts in partnership with outside organizations, while not sharing full details at the meeting.

Perry highlighted public safety and volunteerism as central achievements and priorities. He presented 2025 response figures for Middletown’s volunteer first responders — 4,192 calls for service (including 1,781 volunteer fire calls and 2,403 volunteer first-aid calls) — and described a volunteer incentive program that provided nearly $40,000 in property-tax relief to eligible volunteers. “When you show up for Middletown, Middletown will show up for you,” he said.

The address also tied local priorities to broader civic observances: Perry said Middletown will host America 250 county-level events and expand programming for families, students, veterans and first responders, including reopening the Middletown Township Historical Society’s museum at the historic train station.

The meeting next steps: Perry’s priorities will move into committee workplans and budget discussions over the coming months. The committee did not take immediate votes tied to the mayor’s address during the session; several personnel and routine resolutions were handled separately during the reorganization meeting.

(Attribution: direct quotes and program details were provided by Tony Perry during his Jan. 4, 2026 mayoral address.)