Attendees enjoyed samples of foods from South Amboy’s restaurants in a Taste of South Amboy at the State of the City *Photos by K. Massopust

5/23/18

SOUTH AMBOY – Former B.A. Camille Tooker MC’d the event. She acknowledged administrators, department heads, City workers, and former Mayor Jack O’Leary before introducing Mayor Henry.

At the beginning of Mayor Henry’s speech, he quoted Henry Ford: If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.

(L to R) William Henry, Fred Henry, Jr., Linda Henry, Anny Aquino, Mayor Fred Henry

Mayor Henry announced that Tooker came out of retirement and is now the Confidential Aide to the Mayor. He stated some of the City successes started under the administration of Mayor Jack O’Leary. Henry summarized programs and achievements past and present. He stated that a new senior bus coming in July, and a street festival in late June. He thanked Council Members Reilly, Noble, and Businessman Dr. Jorge Gonzalez for organizing the street fair. We’ll join Perth Amboy again for the fireworks. I want to thank the police and fire departments, the Chair and Co-Chairs and sponsors. The Freeholders will again provide the free summer concert series. The library has many activities including a small business workshop. The historical society and YMCA always have upcoming events. The student Co-op program was held and there is a summer employment program coming up. The police department has almost completed the Rodgers Group Accreditation Program. The police department started a DARE Program under the direction of Detective Danny Holovacko. We have a communication dispatch center with an new camera system and a fleet of SUV vehicles. This is the first time the City will be participating in the National Night Out Program. I want to thank Chief Lavigne and the Police Department. I want to recognize Kim Seber, who is very active in the drug epidemic programs, and I want to recognize Kathy Kudelkak who partners with the Municipal Alliance. We now have a drug receptacle at the Police Department. We’ve received over $1 million in grant money for road improvements. We’ve received $580,000 for improvements to Jack O’Leary Blvd. I want to recognize Mark Rasimowicz for getting these grants and we will continue to seek more. The Department of Public Works has a new sweeper. New businesses opened up and there’s a new business association. Please patronize these places. New developments such as Bayside South Amboy by Ryan Homes and Woodmont will bring in more revenue. We’re conducting interviews pertaining to the Ferry. We have a letter of intent from 2 ferryboats. We’ve had a surplus for the last 5 years from $1.1 million to $2.7 million, smart growth. Our ratings are A3 with Moody and A1 stable with S&P (Standard & Poor). My thanks to CFO Angel Albanese, the Planning Board, the Council and the new B.A. Glenn Skarzynski who help to keep South Amboy on a sound fiscal responsibility. I’m honored to serve the City when the parks, train station, the Y and housing were being developed. I’ve been blessed with good workers. I want to thank our volunteers, my family. My daughter will be making me a granddad for the first time. Mom’s up in heaven with Dad and they always supported me. Linda, you are my best friend. I want to thank the troops for making us safe.

B.A. Glenn Skarzynski, Mayor Fred Henry & Former B.A. Camille Tooker