Cedar Grove Names New Mayor, Deputy Mayor

Cedar Grove's Township Council held a special reorganization meeting Sunday and appointed a new mayor and deputy mayor before an audience of friends and family. 

During the meeting, the council unanimously appointed Peter Tanella as the new Cedar Grove mayor for a one-year term.

"It's a real honor for me to get the opportunity to serve a second term as mayor of Cedar Grove," Tanella said. “I'm proud to be working with my fellow council members to keep Cedar Grove what I consider one of the best places to live in New Jersey."

The council also unanimously appointed councilman Robert O'Toole as deputy mayor, the position formerly held by Tanella.

"I'd like to thank all the residents that had all the confidence to re-elect me last year," O'Toole said. "I will continue and be frugal and watchful with your tax money delegated to this township." 

Tanella and O'Toole were both sworn in with their family by their sides by state Sen. Kevin O'Toole, who attended to support his father.

"It's a real honor to watch my father after retiring at the age of 70 to become part of the township council," Kevin O'Toole said. "I'm really proud of him."

Former mayor John Zunic was also honored by the council as well as by Rep. Bill Pascrell for his efforts. Zunic will become a councilman. 

"I was fortunate to have four ex-mayors on the council," Zunic said. "I was in pretty good hands that's why the town is in one piece after my one year term," he said with a laugh.

In the past year, council members gave up the $21,000 stipend to go back to the town. 

Councilman Joseph Chiusolo explained he has, "never served on a council that is so business minded. We watched the town's money as if it was our own."