Hamilton Township council swears in members, elects Papero as council president

Hamilton Township held its 2026 re-organization meeting on Jan. 6, when councilmembers were sworn in, leadership was chosen and routine organizational matters were approved.

Alison Sabo, the municipal clerk, called the meeting to order and read the Open Public Meetings statement. Oaths of office were administered for Councilman Anthony P. Carabelli by Mercer County Commissioner Nina Melker, Councilman Richard Tighe by Assemblywoman Tennille McCoy and Councilman Charles Whalen by Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo. Pasquale “Pat” Papero Jr., a returning councilmember, was nominated for a one-year term as council president in a motion by Councilmember Charles Whalen and seconded by Councilmember Anthony Carabelli; the council recorded the motion as approved. Councilmember Richard Tighe moved to nominate Nancy Phillips as council vice president; that motion was seconded by Carabelli and recorded as approved.

In brief remarks, Councilmember Anthony Carabelli thanked township residents for their support and praised the township’s commitment to transparent government. Councilmember Charles Whalen acknowledged family members in the audience and thanked Mayor Jeffrey S. Martin for his leadership. Councilmembers also said they expect to work closely with the administration during the upcoming municipal budget process.

The meeting record shows routine organizational actions were completed, including designating official newspapers, authorizing cooperative purchasing contracts and appointing professional and advisory roles for 2026. The council recessed briefly during the re-organization meeting before returning to adopt its consent agenda and take up first-reading ordinances.

The council adjourned at 7:22 p.m.; members said they will continue work on the 2026 budget and related priorities in the weeks ahead.