Committeewoman Tara Prupis was elected Mayor of Millburn/Short Hills Township last night at a re-organization meeting at the local Town Hall. Committeeman Richard Wasserman was elected Deputy Mayor.

The township government’s re-organization followed a swearing-in ceremony for newly elected Committee members Maggee Miggins and Sanjeev Vinayak. The two Democrats were sworn in for three-year terms.

The ceremony was presided over by New Jersey Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver who administered the oath of office virtually by Zoom.

Essex County Clerk Chris Durkin was on hand to read aloud the election certifications along with Essex County Commissioner Len Luciano. Governor Phil Murphy sent a video-taped congratulatory message.

Virtual remarks and greetings were offered by Essex County Democratic Chairman LeRoy Jones, Congressman Tom Malinowskii, Former Governor and State Senator Richard Codey, Assemblymen John McKeon and Tom Giblin and Essex County Commissioner Patricia Sebold.

“Happy New Year everyone. Serving you these past two years has been one of my greatest honors. It is a privilege to now be your Mayor and I am looking forward to continuing the great work that was started last year under the leadership of Mayor Jackie Benjamin Lieberberg.

 “This past year we accomplished so much together. We are halfway through our visioning process. Our newly formed bid is honing in on an Executive Director. We are well on our way to arriving at a fair share housing settlement.

“We will continue to evaluate our zoning codes to make sure we secure clear and intentional developments. We will continue to work closely with our County Executive to make sure our residents are safe and have access to up-to-date information and the Covid19 vaccine.

“We are a fortunate community having dedicated and passionate Township Committee members: Dianne Thall-Eglow, Richard Wasserman, Maggee Miggins and Sanjeev Vinayak,

“We will govern with transparency and respect. We will be responsive. We will strengthen our community by encouraging engagement, supporting our generous volunteers, listening to our residents and business owners, and working closely with our competent and caring Township employees.

“We will continue the conversations around human relations and unity within Millburn Township. We will enhance pedestrian safety, encourage walkability and safe biking, and improve access to our two train stations. We will keep momentum around art installations.

“We will further evaluate our green spaces to see how we can both protect them and maximize enjoyment within them. Lastly, and most importantly, we will spend wisely and continue to responsibly steward your tax dollars.

“I’d like to thank my fellow committee members for entrusting me with your confidence. Thank you for all your support along the way. Together we will continue to succeed in making Millburn the thriving and forward moving community it has always been.

“I’d also like to thank my family who love and celebrate me so well. My accomplishments are a testament to your unwavering belief in me.

“To the Millburn-Short Hills community, I ask that you will join me in envisioning the future of our town. Reach out. Share your ideas. Voice your concerns. Get involved. With patience and planning we can create the Millburn we want to see for generations to come.”