Eileen Lukens (second from left with hand on bible) is sworn in by county commissioner Jim Jefferson(right) to a three-year term of office.
The Mantua Township Committee hosted its annual reorganization meeting on Jan. 5, when two of its members, Eileen Lukens and Jack Steen, were sworn in to three-year terms.
They both won reelection in the November election. Lukens has been on the committee for about a decade and the only woman for much of that period. She was also named deputy mayor in a unanimous vote by the committee.
Lukens thanked members for their vote of confidence and township employees for the work they do in the community.
“I’ve been on this committee for 10 years now, and it’s been an honor to serve,” she said. “Being reelected means a great deal to me, especially in a town like ours where people pay attention and hold us accountable.
“For the past 10 years I’ve also been the only woman on this committee,” Lukens added. “I’m proud of that and I think having different perspectives around the table makes our conversations better and helps us make better decisions.”
Steen has been with the township committee since December of 2024, when he took over for retiree Pete Scirrotto.
“I moved to this town 17 years ago,” Steen explained. “Once upon a time, we were looking for a place to live and landed in Mantua. I couldn’t imagine calling any other place home. I’m honored that this town has entrusted me to help run it.”
Several officials were on hand, including former state Senate president Stephen Sweeney, who was recently appointed administrator of the Gloucester County Board of Commissioners. He swore in Steen, and county commissioner Jim Jefferson swore in Lukens. Also in attendance were assembly members Heather Simmons, John Bailey Jr. and state Sen. John Burzichelli.
Committeeman Robert Zimmerman was named mayor for the fourth consecutive year. He gave a state of the township address in which he highlighted plans for Mantua and what officials want to emphasize, including business development in the community.
“I want to emphasize that effective communication and transparency will always be prioritized during my tenure as your mayor,” he noted. “In 2026, we anticipate the welcoming of Wolf Fitness in the Timberline Shopping Center, Tractor Supply and the Dream Big Childcare Center on Bridgeton Pike, Driscoll Foods on Columbia Drive, New Age Powder Coating & Vehicle Wraps on Main Street and the potential start of construction of the proposed Super Wawa at 455 Bridgeton Pike.
“I want to personally thank everyone in our community who works tirelessly to make Mantua stronger, safer and better each year,” Zimmerman added. “Our volunteers, our employees, our schools, our public safety and emergency services, our business owners, our residents – and even those who visit the great place we call home – have created an impactful and lasting difference.”
