Returning Councilmen Vow to 'Continue the Progress' in Red Bank

Returning council members Michael DuPont and Art Murphy thanked residents for voting for stability as Mayor Pat Menna and Borough Council welcomed 2013 Tuesday afternoon.

Returning Councilmen DuPont and Murphy took their oaths of office at the borough's annual reorganization meeting, rejoining colleagues Sharon Lee, Kathleen Horgan, Juanita Lewis and Ed Zipprich on the dais. Council members also unanimously voted to appoint Murphy council president for another year.

"It's truly an honor to serve the community in which I grew up in," said Murphy, who begins his fourth three-year term in office. "I want to thank the good people of Red Bank for believing in me and re-electing me."

"We're here to listen," said DuPont, who starts his third three-year term.

Both men credited their families with encouraging and supporting their efforts.

"There's certainly truth behind the words that without that support, there would be no A.V.," Murphy said in reference to his wife.

DuPont said his wife was an inspiration and "an example of courage" as she battled breast cancer.

"She provided grace under pressure, and she allowed me to run. I would not be here today unless she supported me," he said.

Both councilman were appreciative of their governing body colleagues as well as Red Bank's professional staff and lauded the efforts of the administration, Public Works, police and fire during superstorm Sandy.

While the storm was a significant challenge in a year in which the council and Menna said they saw much progress, the returning councilmen are focused on the future.

"I think we have a lot to be thankful for," DuPont said. "I know 2012 was a difficult year. Artie and I ran to continue the progress. Our jobs weren't completed.

"We are hip. We are open for business. We are a destination. We are culturally based. We are inclusive. We are the best place to eat, to dance, to laugh, to cry... to pray. And we are diverse," DuPont said.

Council committees

Murphy will continue to head the council's Public Safety, Police and Fire committee as well as the Parking Committee. DuPont continues as chair of the council's Finance and Personnel Committee.

2013 council committees are as follows:  

• Finance and Personnel — DuPont, Zipprich, Lewis
• Public Safety, Police & Fire — Murphy, Lee, DuPont
• Public Utilities — Zipprich, chair; Murphy, Horgan
• Code Enforcement, Environmental Control, Health, Welfare and Building Codes — Lee, chair; Horgan, Dupont
• Parks and Recreation — Lewis, chair; Murphy, Lee
• Education and Technology — Horgan, chair; Zipprich, Lewis
• Parking Committee — Murphy, chair; DuPont, Zipprich

For more reorganization coverage, see:

• 'Red Bank is Thriving' Mayor Says
• Red Bank Welcomes 2013 Fire Chief

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