Dave Siedell (left) is sworn in by his brother-in-law, John Master. He will continue to serve as director of revenue and finance for the borough.
Haddonfield’s latest commissioner meeting – postponed from May 26 because of Memorial Day and the first since the May 13 election – was a reorganization session where all three commissioners took the oath of office for new, four-year terms.
Frank Troy, Itir Cole and Dave Siedell were sworn in following the May 27 meeting’s first resolution, a reading of the election results. Each commissioner was sworn in individually.
Cole took the oath from retired U.S. magistrate Joel Rosen, joined by her husband and two sons. She is now director of public works, parks and public property.
“It’s up to all of us to protect and shape the democracy we live in,” she said, “not once every few years, but through the steady everyday work of caring and showing up.”
Troy was sworn in by his daughter, Carly, as his wife, Debbie, looked on. He is the director of public affairs and public safety and was also named deputy mayor during the meeting.
“When the chips are down and you think things are going opposite your direction, your people are going to be feeling the same way, and they’re going to look for you to strengthen them and to provide strength,” he noted. “And it’s up to you whether that energy you’re going to provide is negative or positive.”
Siedell was appointed mayor during the meeting and the last to be sworn in, taking the oath from his brother-in-law, John Master. Siedell will continue in his role as director of revenue and finance.
He thanked former borough mayor Colleen Bianco Bezich and recognized the new board of commissioners with whom he will serve the next four years. He also acknowledged partnerships from surrounding towns.
“We’re going to be learning, adjusting, making some changes to how things run,” he maintained. “We just ask for a little patience while we find that rhythm that works best for us and for the town.”
In other meeting business, a proclamation on Gun Violence Awareness Day was read and the commissioners called on members of the Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense chapter. The national observance is June 6. Other proclamations marked June as Pride Month and Interfaith Caregivers Month.
During public comments, concern was expressed about the police department’s $1,900 fee to ensure safety during the annual Skirmish event hosted by the Friends of the Indian King Tavern.
“Crowds of people come in that cause a disturbance,” Siedell explained. “It just happened a few weeks ago in one of our neighboring towns, so these events now have to have uniformed police officers to help crowd control and do other things. Our force is limited, so that’s usually an overtime opportunity for them.”
The next commissioner meeting will be on Monday, when members will introduce budget items and finalize a new financial plan.
