Somerset names Jeffrey Slavin mayor emeritus in ceremonial resolution

Somerset honored outgoing mayor Jeffrey Slavin with a ceremonial resolution and a congressional citation during its July 4 town celebration, recognizing his 18 years as mayor and prior service on the town council.

The resolution, read at the event by Congressman Jamie Raskin, recounts that Slavin was elected to the town council in 2002 and served as mayor since 2008, overseeing capital projects including the pool, bathhouse and town hall renovations and efforts to modernize town operations. Raskin presented a congressional citation and read the town resolution, saying the council had adopted it on May 18.

"The council of the town of Somerset recognizes and honors the career achievements of mayor Jeffrey Slavin at the time of his retirement," Raskin said as he read the resolution. The reading noted the council adopted the resolution on May 18 "by a vote of 5 to 0," and that it bestows on Slavin the title of mayor emeritus.

Slavin spoke briefly after the citation, thanking residents and staff: "I couldn't have done it without all of you and the incredible citizens of the town," he said, and praised the town staff and volunteers. He also expressed support for his successor, saying he is "so incredibly proud that you elected Rohit Khanna as my successor."

The presentation was part of a larger holiday program that included elected officials from the county and state. The resolution will be retained as an official record of the council; the transcript of the ceremony notes the earlier May 18 vote but does not list a mover or second for the council action.

The town moved on after the presentation to community recognitions and activities, and the retired mayor indicated the plaque and citation would be displayed in the town hall.