Two years after Sandy, rebuilding from the Super storm remains the number one goal of the Toms River Township Council officials said during the governing body's annual reorganization meeting.  

Toms River Mayor Thomas H. Kelaher (left) inducts Councilman Jeffrey Carr (middle) as President of the governing body for 2015. Photo by Dianne DeOliveira, TSM
Toms River Mayor Thomas H. Kelaher (left) inducts Councilman Jeffrey Carr (middle) as President of the governing body for 2015. Photo by Dianne DeOliveira, TSM
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The Council unanimously approved making Jeffrey Carr its new President for 2015 and John Sevastakis Vice President. Both Councilmen were sworn in by Toms River Mayor Thomas F. Kelaher on Friday.

The governing body presented Councilwoman Maria Maruca with a bouquet of flowers as token of its thanks for serving as President in 2014.

"This Council has been together for a number of years, so the good thing is, we can continue just with the flow of what we've been doing. Obviously, our biggest priority is the barrier island and Sandy victims and getting the town back in shape in that matter," said Carr, also noting Rateables, the tax rate structure and getting housing back in order for Sandy victims are ongoing issues.

Barrier Island residents impacted by Sandy had voiced concerns last year to the Township about feeling ignored.

"Whether you're on one side of the highway or bridge, or on this side [inland] we're all uniform, and if you look at most of what we've done in 2014, I think you'll see that a lot of effort has been done on improving the Barrier Island, getting roads back and getting infrastructure on there," pointed out Carr, who was praised by his colleagues for his efforts in the ongoing Sandy recovery efforts.

Sevastakis echoed the Council's sentiments that the Township must continue its rebuilding efforts in the wake of Sandy.

Toms River Mayor Thomas H. Kelaher (left) inducts Councilman John Sevastakis (middle) as Vice President of the governing body for 2015. Photo by Dianne DeOliveira, TSM
Toms River Mayor Thomas H. Kelaher (left) inducts Councilman John Sevastakis (middle) as Vice President of the governing body for 2015. Photo by Dianne DeOliveira, TSM
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"The biggest challenge is going to be the rebuilding of the dune on the beach front and working with the Army Corps of Engineers," added Sevastakis.

 

 

 

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