Mayor, council members offer parting comments
BY REBECCA MORTON Staff Writer

MARLBORO - At the Township Council's final meeting of the year on Dec. 17, three departing local government officials said goodbye and wished the incoming council members and new mayor the best of luck.

During the Citizens' Voice portion of the meeting, residents took the opportunity to offer kind words to Councilman Joseph Pernice, Councilwoman Patti Morelli and Mayor Robert Kleinberg, and to wish them luck in their future. Those who spoke also wished incoming Councilman Frank LaRocca, Councilwoman Randi Marder and Mayor Jonathan Hornik success in their positions.

Resident Paul Schlaflin spoke to each departing member, commending Morelli for her work, recounting how Pernice always listened to what people had to say, and wishing Kleinberg luck.

Schlaflin said that despite their differences, he did not have an issue with Robert Kleinberg the man, it was only in his position as mayor.

The departing officials were given a gift on behalf of the remaining council members and administration.

Council President Jeff Cantor introducedMorelli and Pernice, calling Morelli persistent and speaking about Pernice's dedication. It was noted that Pernice had not only missed his company's holiday party to attend the council meeting, but it was also his birthday.

Councilman Steve Rosenthal introduced Kleinberg. He said the mayor has a hard job and said Kleinberg helped to make Marlboro a better place.

Kleinberg, Pernice and Morelli were elected together in 2003 and completed four years of public service.

The outgoing council members had a long list of municipal employees that they expressed their thanks to. Pernice,Morelli and Kleinberg spoke about their time in their positions.

Pernice spoke of the friendships he has gained by being a councilman, laughingly referring to himself and Morelli as Batman and Robin.

Morelli thanked Kleinberg for allowing her to go outside the common boundaries of a council member by getting involved with what the people wanted.

Kleinberg thanked everyone, especially Pernice and Morelli who were with him from the start. He called Marlboro a great town and expressed his desire to see it keep moving forward. Kleinberg said he remains committed to helping the township and offered his assistance to the incoming elected officials.

Kleinberg said residents often speak out locally about what they believe is wrong in their community or in the state. He suggested that they bring their concerns about state issues (for example, affordable housing) directly to their state representatives.

Cantor thanked the family members of the council members who were present for sharing their loved ones, and by doing so helping the township.

Hornik, Marder and LaRocca are scheduled to be sworn into office on Jan. 1 at noon in Town Hall. The council will hold its reorganization meeting Jan. 3 at 8 p.m. Citizens' Voice will be limited to 15 minutes that evening.