Jeffrey Foster Sworn In As New Mayor

Committeeman Jeffrey Foster was sworn in as Wall Township's newest mayor Wednesday during the 's annual organization meeting.

Foster, who succeeds outgoing Mayor Ann Marie Conte, was nominated to take the helm of local government by fellow Committeeman Clinton Hoffman. It was seconded by Conte.

There were no other nominations. The vote to install Foster was unanimous.

Foster, whose wife, Joyce, held a bible while Freeholder Joseph Arnone administered the oath of office pledged to be equal to the task of in a short speech after settling into the center chair behind the dais.

"We have a list of stuff that has to be dealt with this year and there are some tough choices that have to be made,'' Foster said. "This can be a tough spot and the mayor always has the bullseye on him, so I'll take the hit. I don't mind doing that.''

Wall Township's mayoral role is a temporary position, filled annually by a member of the Township Committee and elected from within its roster, according to the state law under which the town's government was created.

Foster, following a presentation thanking Conte for her year as mayor, asked for a nomination for Deputy Mayor. Committeeman George Newberry nominated Committeeman Todd Luttman, seconded by Hoffman.

There were no other nominations. The vote was unanimous.

M. Claire French administered the oath of office to Luttman.

Also sworn in during Wednesday's meeting were Conte and Newberry, , defeating challenging Democrats Chuck McFadden and Tom Ehrlich.