Szegeti, Sliker, Dembinski say thanks as terms end
Three Democrats will be replaced by Republicans Jan. 1
BY MICHAEL ACKER Staff Writer

Robert Szegeti

SOUTH RIVER - Three Democrats who have been among the most prominent figures in borough government in recent years expressed thanks to the town during the final meeting of their terms.

Mayor Robert Szegeti, council President David Sliker and Councilwoman Joanne Dembinski had their final Borough Council meeting Dec. 17. Szegeti and Sliker lost in their bids for re-election Nov. 6; Dembinski did not seek re-election.

Republicans Raymond Eppinger, a councilman who won the mayoral race, and councilmen elect Michael Trenga and Jim Hutchison will take their place on the Borough Council starting at noon Jan. 1, when a reorganization meeting, will be held in the middle school cafetorium. The Republicans will later appoint a new council member to take Eppinger's seat.

"We will be busy," Eppinger said at the Dec. 17 meeting. "We are in the midst of forming a new government."

Speaking of the fact that Republicans will gain control of what has long been a Democratic council, Eppinger said that the GOP and Democrats have agreed on 85 percent of the issues during the past year. He said the Democrats whose terms are expiring deserve thanks for their efforts over the years.

David Sliker

"I want to thank Ms. Dembinski, Mr. Sliker and, of course, Mayor Szegeti," Eppinger said. "[The job] is as thankless as you would expect, but you have got to like doing it."

"They put South River first," Eppinger added. "We owe them all our undying gratitude and thanks."

Republican Councilman John Krenzel wished them "the very best" and said he hopes they stay involved.

Dembinski served on the council for nine years, in a town she has called home all her life.

"South River, as you know, is a wonderful town," Dembinski said before residents at the Dec. 17 meeting. "There were a lot of changes in the last seven years."

Dembinski recalled her first running mate, the late former councilman Richard Reichenbach, who passed away in June. She also expressed her best wishes to the community and to the incoming members of the council.

Dembinski thanked her family as well as borough employees and volunteers, who she said receive little fanfare or thanks for their contributions to the borough.

Joanne Dembinski

Szegeti told the Sentinel that he and the others are leaving the community in a better position than when they arrived. He said this is in part due to the contributions of residents.

"I appreciate all of the volunteers that have either been on emergency services or volunteered to be on various committees and boards during my tenure," Szegeti said.

Sliker congratulated the Republicans on their victory in last month's election. He said he thinks residents appreciate the work that elected officials do on their behalf.

"I do not feel it's a thankless job," Sliker said.

Sliker cited accomplishments in addressing the needs of parks and public safety. He said he thoroughly enjoyed his time as councilman.

"We have left the community in better shape than we found it," he said.

"It's been a pleasure serving the community," he added.

Szegeti quipped about the appointment of Borough Business Administrator Andrew Salerno, who joined the administration at a time when the borough disbanded its building department and had an electric utility rate increase in the works.

"A year ago today we offered Mr. Salerno a job. How foolishly he said yes," Szegeti said to laughter from those in attendance.

Szegeti cited recent funding that the community will receive, including $117,500 that the U.S. House of Representatives approved for upgrades to the handheld radios of first responders in South River. He said the house bill also includes $161,000 for South River flood damage reduction and ecosystem restoration efforts.

Szegeti thanked residents and fellow members of the governing body. He received applause from officials and residents alike in recognition for his years of service.

"I thank you all for the years," Szegeti said.