Councilman E. Romeo Longo Sworn to Two Year Term

Cedar Grove Councilman E. Romeo Longo was sworn in for a two-year term in the council chambers Monday evening.

Longo, who has served five full terms on the governing body since 1995, threw his hat in the ring, this time for the two-year unexpired term previously held by Patrick DeFrancisci. He defeated challenger Cheryl Brown by a margin of 505 to 334.

Before his swearing in, Longo had to resign his previously-held four-year seat, which was set to expire in July.

The oath of office was administered by Mayor Robert O'Toole, and the Bible held by former Mayor and field representative for Congressman Bill Pascrell (D-NJ-8), Ann Mega. Longo took the oath, and thanked the residents of the township for supporting him in another term.

"I'd like to thank everybody for the vote of confidence. I promise I will continue to work for the betterment of Cedar Grove," he said.

Longo then took his usual seat at the dais. His two-year term will expire July 1, 2013.

With Longo in place, the council will remain down a member until the Council's July 1 reorganization meeting. Councilman Peter Tanella, who sailed unopposed to victory of a four-year term, and was the top vote-getter in the election, will not be sworn in until July 1.

Tanella was appointed by the Council last October to temporarily take the place of DeFrancisci following his resignation. With Longo officially occupying the vacant seat, Tanella will not be able to vote or participate in discussions at meetings until he is offcially sworn in for his four-year term July 1.

Mayor O'Toole, who also ran unopposed for his four year seat, and easily won re-election, will be re-sworn to the council on July 1. Since his current term doesn't expire until July 1, O'Toole will remain in place on the governing body through reorganization.