Young, Minniti Sworn in as Mayor, Deputy Mayor

Ben Young was officially sworn in as Cinnaminson’s newest mayor in the township’s 153rd reorganization Monday night.

Committeeman John McCarthy was also sworn in as the township’s newest committee member. Don Brauckmann was sworn into his second term. And Anthony Minniti was once again named the township’s deputy mayor.

“I look forward to working closely with each member of committee,” McCarthy said during committee remarks.

He also promised to always “vote my conscience.”

Richard Strobel swore in McCarthy while his wife Liz Anne, daughter Elizabeth and sons Patrick and John stood by him.

McCarthy won the November general election along with Brauckmann, who was sworn in for a second term. Strobel also read his oath as Brauckmann stood with his wife Michelle, son Dalton and daughter Alyssa.

Burlington County Freeholder Director Joseph Donnelly swore in Minniti as the deputy mayor’s triplets—Claire, John and Christian—held the Bible.

Young took the oath of mayor from Brad Smith while his wife Connie and grandson Blake stood by him.

Committeewoman Kathy Fitzpatrick has one more year left on her three-year term therefore she did not need to be sworn in. However, she called the other members of township committee and all township employees “a solid team.”

And in 2013, she said the biggest issues facing Cinnaminson are trying to maintain a low tax rate, find more shared services and combat the number of reassessments the township faced this year.

Minniti said township committee is also going to be more aggressive with redevelopment—this time delving into Cinnaminson’s industrial area.

Stay tuned for a story on that this week.

Young—whom Minniti called his mentor—said that was a goal of his as well for 2013.

“I’m right there with him,” Young said. “Trust me. I’m right there with him.”

All committee members will retain their 2012 appointments, with McCarthy serving as liaison to the public safety department, which his predecessor John Rooney oversaw from township committee.

Rooney, who was also in attendance, received a special plaque as outgoing committeeman. Brauckmann, the outgoing mayor, called Rooney an “integral part of our team.”

The department of health and senior services—once part of the administration committee—will now be part of parks and recreation under Brauckmann.

Fitzpatrick will head up the administration department, while Minniti keeps economic development, and Young, public works.

All public works employees were at the reorganization meeting and shook hands with the new mayor after he was sworn in.