Juliano To Serve As Lacey's Mayor In 2024

LACEY, NJ — "You were meant for this, not me," is what Lacey's former mayor, Nick Juliano, used to tell his wife. "This is your thing."

Now, it is Peggy Sue Juliano's thing in a big way - she was selected to serve as mayor of Lacey for 2024.

"We're going to give it a hell of a go, that's for sure," Juliano said at the Township Committee's reorganization meeting where she was sworn in as mayor, shortly after she was sworn in for her new term on the committee, by Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciatarelli. Peter Curatolo will serve as deputy mayor.

Juliano joined the Township Committee in 2022 when she was appointed to fill the seat left vacant by the passing of her husband. Since then, she was elected to serve a full term.

Like her late husband, Juliano has cemented herself as a staunch supporter of the township's police, firefighters and emergency workers.

"You held me up during some of the hardest times of my life and it will never, ever be forgotten," Juliano said to what she called her "buddies."

Members of the Township Committee expressed their excitement over Juliano being mayor.

"She stepped into very difficult circumstances," said Committeeman Steve Kennis, who said "it's not easy to be mayor" and that he had a lot of respect for her.

"There is no doubt in my mind you are going to be extremely successful," said Committeeman Tim McDonald, whose term as mayor just ended. "And I wish you nothing but the best of luck."

Related: New Meeting Time For Lacey Committee In 2024