(L to R) Stacey Kennedy (who will be replacing Camille Tooker as South Amboy B.A., B.A. Camille Tooker, South Amboy Mayor Fred Henry, South Amboy CFO Angel Albanese
*File Photo on Riverboat St. Charles taken 5/2017 by Paul W. Wang

I first met, Ms. Tooker when I started attending the South Amboy Meetings late in 2007. She would always be very poised and confident when answering questions, whether they were from the residents, Council Members or other administrators attending the meetings.

It wasn’t always easy. I also remember when I heard about her having some health issues  and in spite of it, she still worked from home.

The one thing that did impress me about Ms. Tooker was during a 2/18/15 South Amboy Council Meeting. Tooker talked about former South Amboy Resident, Vince Mackiel who is now residing in Perth Amboy.

Vince is very impassioned when it comes to protecting the environment. While residing in South Amboy, Vince would always talk about South Amboy’s eyesore (property owned by Amboy Aggregates). This was a big sand pile that later be acquired to turn it into land that the City could use for redevelopment projects.

Tooker credited Mackiel for his impassioned pleas for the City to do something about this eyesore.

Vince would document evidence why it was important that the property in question should have certain restrictions while it remained active.

Tooker took every argument  that Mackiel said at the Meetings to heart.

I love the fact that she remembered his efforts although he had left South Amboy because as a former resident, he fought for the good that he knew South Amboy could become.

In the past two years, If I called South  Amboy City Hall to speak to Ms. Tooker, if her voice mail came on, she would get back to me rather quickly, even if it was through email. I wish her many years of good health and enjoyment upon her retirement.

She came in under the administration of former South Amboy Mayor Jack O’Leary and retired under Mayor Fred Henry. You could see the mutual respect each Mayor had for Tooker. She always showed concern when helping to guide the Council, Administrators and Department Heads on important issues.

We are happy that before Ms. Tooker retired that she was able to see the Arts District come to fruition and thrive which is an important achievement for the City of South Amboy to help revitalize Broadway.

To Ms. Tooker, “You have been with the City of South Amboy  through the good times and the bad times. Now it’s your turn to have many good times.”

In the end we say, “Good luck and Be Well.” C.M.