Polistina Replaces Dixon as Engineer Following 4-3 Vote at Galloway Reorganization Meeting

About half the appointments on the agenda for Galloway Township’s Reorganization meeting went up for a vote Tuesday night, Jan. 2, and in each instance, the result was practically the same.

Six of the 13 professional contracts were contested, with two nominations and a roll call vote. Many times, the result was 5-2, with the two council democrats standing alone.

In three cases, Republican Tom Bassford sided with Democrats Jim Gorman and Jim McElwee, most notably in the case of the appointment of township engineer.

Polistina and Associates, the firm that had been serving as the township’s conflict engineer, was appointed township engineer. Andrew Previti was appointed conflict engineer over Endicott Engineering by a 5-2 vote that went down party lines.

Dixon Associates, an engineering firm that has served the township since the early part of the last decade, is no longer associated with the township in an engineering capacity.

“I have no qualms with Polistina, but I’d like to thank Kevin Dixon for his years of service to the township,” Bassford said. “I’m disappointed he wasn’t retained. Dixon invested in this township for many years, and he’s done nothing wrong. I hear up all here all the time that we need to support local businesses, and I don’t see where he did anything wrong.”

Dixon’s office is located across the street from the municipal complex, on Jimmie Leeds Road. Polistina and Associates is based in Egg Harbor Township.

“Vince was born here and he grew up here,” Mayor Don Purdy said following the meeting. “I think Polistina does a great job. Dixon’s been here a long time, but it’s just one of those things.”

Polistina Associate Craig Hurless is currently a member of the Galloway Township Planning Board. Polistina is a former assemblyman who graduated from Absegami High School.

“I always want to support local business, and they all supported him last year,” said McElwee, who was elected to council in November. “I don’t know what changed between then and now.”

Bassford sided with Gorman and McElwee when it came to conflict solicitor. The three voted for Roger Steedle, but the 4-3 vote went in favor of Jerry Dasti. Gorman, Bassford and McElwee also voted for Parker McKay for labor counsel, a position that went to William Blaney.

Gorman and McElwee dissented when it came to solicitor, as they voted in favor of Randy Lafferty. The five Republicans voted in favor of keeping Michael Fitzgerald.

The Democrats also dissented on the issue of township auditor, which went to Leon Costello in a 5-2 vote. Gorman and McElwee voted for Bowman and Company.

The other appointments all passed unanimously, and went as follows:

Tax Appeal and In Rem Counsel: Tom Smith

Prosecutor: Christopher Lipari

Alternate Prosecutor: Brian Rumpf

Public Defender: Darrin Lord

Alternate Public Defender: Swift Law Firm

Bond Counsel: Joel Fleishman (Fleishman Daniels)

Risk Management: Marsh & McLennan

Tony Coppola was re-appointed and unanimously voted in as Deputy Mayor. Tim McKenna was officially sworn in as Fire Chief. Individual fire department chiefs will be nominated at the next meeting.