Arlene Johnson Named Mayor

On New Year's Day, Livingston named a new mayor: Arlene A. Johnson.

Johnson, who has served on the township council since 2006 and who was most recently Livingston's deputy mayor, was sworn in as mayor in front of a large crowd that packed into the Senior and Community Center as part of the township's annual organization meeting.  She is Livingston's fifth female mayor.

Johnson succeeded Charles "Buddy" August, who will remain on the township council. August received many accolades and sentiments of appreciation for his work as mayor. 

The mayoral seat is rotated annually among township council members, as is the deputy mayor position.  Rudy Fernandez, a council member, was named deputy mayor at the New Year's Day meeting.

Also at the organizational meeting, scores of volunteers were named to various township committees including the planing board, zoning board, arts council and citizen's budget advisory committee, among many others.  For a complete listing of volunteers named to boards and committees, click here.

The atmosphere at the New Year's Day meeting was festive.  After the officials took their new positions, food and refreshments were served.  In years past, only volunteers named to committees were invited to the meeting, but this year the event was open to all Livingston residents.