Mayor Robert Zimmerman swears in John “Jack” Steen (second from left), who will join the Mantua committee on Dec. 16.
The Mantua Township Commitee meeting on Dec. 16 saw a temporary committeeman sworn in to serve the remainder of former committeeman Peter Scirrotto’s term.
John “Jack” Steen will replace Scirrotto, who officially retired at the end of November after 33 years on the committee. Steen’s name was one of three put forth by the township’s Democrat Committee; he was then chosen by the full committee to serve until Dec. 31 of next year.
Steen is the current president of Mantua Little League and has lived in the township for 15 years, according to Mayor Robert Zimmerman. Steen has a bachelor’s degree in science from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia and a master’s in business administration from Rutgers University.
“I’ve known Jack for several years,” Zimmerman noted of Steen. “While Jack is known as Mantua Little League, he is so much more than that. Jack is one of the hardest workers I know. He’s always striving to improve our schools, our town and our Little League. His passion for community service is what drives us for all the right reasons.”
Steen was accompanied to the meeting by his wife, Nicole, and his two sons, Jackson and Gavin. They stood by his side as he was sworn in by Zimmerman.
“I want to thank the committee for the opportunity to help serve the community,” said Steen. “I really feel honored and privileged just to be able to sit up here. Just to be able to follow behind Pete – it’s big shoes to fill. Hopefully I can channel some of that spirit and do much better.”
As one committeeman was sworn in, another, Shawn Layton, saw his final meeting; his term expires at the end of the year. Layton has served on the committee since 2017 and is also a volunteer with the Mantua fire department and president of the Independent Association of Mantua Firefighters.
A ceremony celebrating his service will take place at the February committee meeting.
“He’s been my next-door chair mate for seven-and-a-half years,” noted Committeewoman Eileen Lukens of Layton. “He’ll keep me on track by saying, ‘You have to make a motion,’ because that’s something I don’t always do. He’s always treated me with such respect and kindness.
“I want to thank you,” she added, addressing Layton. “That didn’t go unnoticed, and I very much appreciate it.”
Layton will be replaced by Committeeman-elect Jason Snyder, who won the role in the November election. He will be sworn in at the committee’s reorganization meeting on Monday, Jan. 6, at 5 pm.
