Reorganization Meeting Begins a New Chapter in Livingston

A new era in Livingston began on Tuesday as Rudy Fernandez took the gavel for 2013 and was joined by two new colleagues.

During the annual reorganization meeting at the Senior Community Center, Rudy Fernandez was sworn in as Livingston mayor, a position he held in 2011.  Al Anthony and Michael Silverman joined him as they became the township's newest councilmen, replacing outgoing Mayor Stephen Santola and Councilman Gary Schneiderman.

Fernandez, Anthony and Silverman are joined by Republicans Deborah Shapiro and Michael Rieber on the 2013 Livingston Township Council.  Rieber was chosen as the new Livingston Deputy Mayor at the meeting.

"2013 promises to be a great year, but as with all years, it will not be without challenges," said Fernandez.  "We will continue our work of efficiently delivering services at the lowest possible costs."

Fernandez, who served as Livingston Deputy Mayor in 2012, will be beginning his second term as mayor, a position that is annually rotated between council members.  The former Republican, turned Democrat, was appointed to the council in March 2008.

Anthony and Silverman, Democrats, defeated their Republican opponents, Chuck Granata and Al Feid, Jr., in November's election.  The two have served on the township's planning board in recent years.

"This past year has been a highlight for me already, specifically meeting thousands of residents, going door-to-door, listening to why they think Licingston is a great town and gathering ideas on how to make it even better," said Anthony.  "So it is with great privilege to know that I take this office and I will do my best to represent the interests of Livingston for the next four years."

Silverman, who was raised in Livingston, voiced his pleasure at being elected to the town he grew up in.

"I was termed a 'Livingston Lifer'," said Silverman.  "I'm proud to say I was raised in this town, and now I'm fortunate enough to have been overwhelmingly elected to serve and to lead."