From left, Commissioner John Amodeo, Mayor Michael Becker and Commissioner Maury Blumberg.
MARGATE – The winners of the May 14 non-partisan municipal election took their oaths of office Tuesday, May 21 amid a packed chamber at Historic City Hall. The formal swearing-in ceremony brought citizens, friends and families together to witness Michael Becker, Maury Blumberg and John Amodeo pledge to work for the betterment of residents and visitors of the “best run” seaside community on the Jersey shore.
Municipal Clerk Johanna Casey certified the election before calling on dignitaries to swear-in the commissioners. James Robertson, Esq. did the honors for Becker, whose wife Mary held the Bible. Joseph Sayegh, Esq. swore in Blumberg, who was joined by his wife Laurie, and Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson swore-in Amodeo, who was joined by his daughter and several grandchildren.
Becker was unanimously elected mayor for a fourth term and will serve as commissioner public works, parks and property. Blumberg will also serve a fourth term and as commissioner of revenue and finance, and Amodeo will serve his second term and as commissioner of public safety and public affairs.
Rabbi Aaron Krauss gave the invocation stating that under their leadership, the City of Margate has done very well. He asked those present to pray for them as they work to enhance the future of children, adults and seniors, visitors and businesses.
“Thank God for our community, our land and our traditions,” he said.
Levinson complimented Margatians for having one of the “best managed towns in the State of New Jersey,” with low debt, low taxes, and extraordinary services with the best response time of any community, along with clean streets and great schools.
Becker thanked citizens for placing their trust in him for a fourth time.
“I’m humbled and deeply honored,” he said before thanking those who helped in the campaign, his family, fellow commissioners and Administrator Richard Deaney. He paid special tribute to his wife Mary, who “loves politics” and keeps all the Beckers in line with her love and her strength, he said.
“As we we look ahead, guys, we still have work to do,” Becker said.
He vowed to support the business community, provide the children of Margate with an excellent education, provide support for senior citizens and be fiscally prudent.
“We must find a way to stop the divisiveness that has all of a sudden showed up in Margate, and lastly, we must all work together respectfully and positively,” he said.
Blumberg said he was “honored and privileged” to be given a fourth term on the commission.
He noted that his entire family was present in the room, including his mother, brothers, sister, wife and nephews.
He paid tribute to June Ross, wife of former Mayor William Ross, “who we strive every day to emulate,” Blumberg said.
“We are lucky, lucky, lucky to live in a great town. I truly love this town,” he said.
Amodeo thanked Levinson for attending the ceremony and complimented him on his management of Atlantic County government.
“Also, the best run county in the State of New Jersey,” Amodeo said.
He said he was honored over the last four years to work with the men and women of the Police and Fire departments and the Beach Patrol.
“On a daily basis or during contract negotiations, their cooperation and understanding benefits all the residents and taxpayers of this town. Their service is second to none and I thank them for the tremendous job they do every single day of the year.”
He outlined initiatives for the future, including upgrading transportation on the beach for seniors and the infirm, announced that the aging Amherst Avenue bulkhead would be completely rebuilt during the winter, along with a promenade along the bayfront that will link to a pedestrian cartway leading to the Ventnor and Atlantic Avenue business districts. He also noted that the intersection outside Historic City Hall would be configured into a town center, complete with a town clock. He also said the city was recently awarded a federal grant to improve five intersections along Amherst Avenue leading to the city’s two schools.
He thanked Becker and Blumberg for their “great working relationship” over the last four years, and recognized the support of his wife Luanne and the rest of his family.
“Let’s enjoy Margate. We have a great town. Any anyone who has any suggestions, it’s easy to get a hold of us,” he said.
Rev. Victoria Ney of the Margate Community Church gave the benediction.
“May all their efforts be good examples of justice, fair-mindedness and diligence of service,” Ney said.
The gathering adjourned to Ventura’s Greenhouse for lunch.
