High-Profile Democrats Flock To Bloomfield For Swearing-In Event

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — A recent swearing-in ceremony at Bloomfield Town Hall for Mayor Michael Venezia, and council members Wartyna Davis, Rich Rockwell and Ted Gamble got a boost from several high-profile Democratic Party members, including Gov. Phil Murphy.

On Friday, a ceremony for the recently elected local leaders took place at the newly renovated council chambers at town hall.

• See related article: Bloomfield School Board, Mayor, Council Election Results

During the event, Murphy swore in Venezia for the mayor’s third term after his uncontested election day victory in November.

Murphy called Venezia a “great public servant for the people of Bloomfield.”

“His leadership and vision for a revitalized Bloomfield has been realized, as we see crime decreasing, property values and quality of life rising and taxes staying flat,” Murphy said. “Bloomfield's growth is crucial to the growth of New Jersey's economy, and I am proud to have Mayor Venezia and the town’s council members as partners.”

“I am so proud to be able to serve as mayor of my hometown, and guide Bloomfield into a brighter future,” Venezia said. “Over the past six years, we have steadily and drastically reduced crime, while making infrastructure improvements to our roads and water system, and adding tax ratables that have kept our taxes flat.”

“None of this would be possible without the support and innovative thinking of my council colleagues, each of whom works so hard to collect feedback from and progress initiatives important to their constituents,” Venezia added.

Assemblywoman Britnee Timberlake swore in Wartyna Davis to her third term on the council. Essex County Freeholder and former Bloomfield Councilman Carlos Pomares swore in Councilmen Rich Rockwell and Ted Gamble, who began their second and third terms, respectively.

Other elected officials present at the Jan. 3 event included Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo, State Senator Ronald Rice, Assembly members Ralph Caputo, Cleopatra Tucker and Britnee Timberlake, Freeholders Pomares and Pat Sebold and Freeholder President Brendan Gill, and Essex County Chairman Leroy Jones.

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