Councilman Phil Schokclin (middle) is sworn into office by Congressman Donald Norcross (left) during a reorganization meeting on Jan. 5.
Five councilmen were sworn into new terms on Deptford council during the latter’s annual reorganization meeting on Jan. 5.
Wayne Love, Phil Schocklin, Bill Lamb and Ken Barnshaw were each sworn into three-year terms, while Jim Noce was sworn into a one-year term. Love, Noce and Schocklin were sworn in by Congressman Donald Norcross; Lamb and Barnshaw took the oath from Mayor Paul Medany, who was again named to that position during the meeting.
“Within the last term, council endured the COVID scare, a tornado and several other large storms,” Barnshaw said. “We took pride in going door to door to check on our residents. And we presented a stable financial plan where there was not a municipal tax increase in 2025.
“These challenges and the desire to continue to help my fellow neighbors are the primary reasons for running for office.”
The councilmen won their seats in the November election. Love, Lamb, Barnshaw and Schocklin each have about 20 years of experience on council. Noce has been a councilman for the last year; he took over after the sudden death of former councilman Tom Hufnell, who passed away in 2024. Noce was appointed a month later.
“I am running to give back to the community that has always been my home,” he said. “I want to use my experience, dedication and leadership to help make Deptford an even better place for families to live, work and grow.”
The meeting was kicked off with a vocal performance of the national anthem by seventh grader Violet Walsh, who earned a standing ovation. Other officials in attendance were state Assemblyman Bill Moen; former state Senate president Steve Sweeney, who was recently named Gloucester County Administrator; and county commissioners Frank DiMarco and Joann Gattinelli.
“I would like to continue working with the mayor and council to keeping taxes stable,” Love emphasized, “promoting new business growth in our town and maintaining strong communication with our residents through the frequent community outreach events we have every year.
“It’s important that our residents know that we are here for them and that the best interest of the community comes first.”
