E.B. council talks past successes, future goals
Ed Luster begins first term; Stahl, Diem begin their second
BY VINCENT TODARO
Staff Writer

East Brunswick's governing body returned to its all-Democrat form Monday for the first time in four years.

Newly elected Councilman Edward Luster was sworn in Monday to his first four-year term on the five-member. He replaces Republican Christi Calvano, who served four years but did not seek re-election. Luster took the oath of office along with fellow Democrats Catherine Diem and David Stahl, who were sworn in to their second terms.

The change signifies the end of four years in which Calvano routinely took stances different from the Democrats', prompting often-heated discussions during meetings.

But the tone of Monday night's reorganization meeting was harmonious, as the three newly sworn-in members gave speeches. In addition, Democratic Party Chairman Shawn Taylor was on hand to announce that in lieu of the party buying gifts for the newly elected council members, donations would be made to various charities.

Nancy Pinkin was voted in to serve as council president for the second straight year, and Diem will again serve as vice president.

Diem said she is looking forward to her second term, adding that when she looked at the speech she read four years ago, she realized much of it still rings true, especially the parts about listening to residents' concerns and feedback, and making informed decisions.

"We've accomplished a lot," she said of the council's performance during her first four years. She said the council needs to stay on top of the state as it works on finding mechanisms to bring about property tax relief.

Luster lauded the work of the Democrats and added that the most important issues to him as a councilman are to continue to improve the Heavenly Farms recreation area, and to work to stabilize taxes. In addition, he would like to see more open space preserved in the township.

Stahl also applauded work of the Democrats over the past four years, including open space purchases, park and road improvements, and work on property taxes.

He said that being an elected official "means researching each and every issue to ensure that your vote is what you believe is in the best interests for the residents. It means placing the interests of the people ahead of any political interests, thus voting in what you perceive to be best for the residents, not what is best for any political interests," Stahl said.

"I believe that, unfortunately, too many elected officials throughout the state and the country have forgotten what it means to be an elected official, a representative of the people," he said.

Luster took time to thank his family, Mayor William Neary and fellow Democrats, and the people of East Brunswick for their support.

"I'd like to thank the East Brunswick residents I got a chance to meet while walking around the township with my family," he said.

Luster asked that the donation given in his name go to the United States Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C.

Diem noted that she is also proud of the township's pay-to-play ordinance, plans to build a new parking deck, and the instituting of a fair and open process for contracts and appointments, which were among the measures implemented by the governing body over the past four years.

Diem, whose donation is going to the Raritan Valley YMCA, also expressed her hope that residents will become more involved as volunteers in the various services and programs offered by the township.

She also stressed that it is important for residents to attend council meetings and weigh in on the political issues.