NORTHFIELD — What’s more incredible than his devoting 29 years of his life to the city is that Councilman Frank Perri Jr. had perfect attendance, never missing a meeting in almost three decades.
Perri, who lost the at-large race in November to Councilman Greg Dewees, sat on the dais for his final meeting Dec. 14, enjoying congratulations and well wishes from political friends and foes alike.
Mayor Erland Chau read a proclamation recognizing Perri for a “remarkable contribution.”
Calling him “a tremendous asset to the city of Northfield,” Chau said Perri’s 12 years as mayor is the city’s second-longest tenure in its 116-year history.
Perri served on City Council for 17 years, on the Planning Board for 18 years and was council president and chairman for the sewer lnterlocal, Public Works Department, Fire Department, Emergency Medical Services and Insurance and Safety departments.
Chau also credited Perri with being founder of the city’s Senior Citizens Advisory Committee, chairman of the city’s Centennial Celebration in 2005, chairman of the Memorial Day parade during each of his 12 years as mayor and past president of the Atlantic County League of Municipalities.
Perri, whose wife, children and grandchildren were in attendance, much to his surprise, thanked his family for supporting him for so long.
“You need a team behind you and they sacrificed a lot,” he said.
Perri also thanked the voters, saying his tenure has been rewarding.
“You can’t imagine what it’s like running a $13 million corporation,” said Perri, who was mayor from 1996 to 2007. “It’s been trying and hard but it’s amazing what I have learned.”
“What you have accomplished through all of these years will be permanently engraved in the history books of Northfield,” Chau said. “Years from now, your grandchildren can walk through City Hall and see grandpop was here.”
Councilman Brian Smith, who teaches history, civics and government at Mainland Regional High School, said he stresses all the time the importance of being involved.
“Your service is much appreciated,” Smith said.
City Council President Tom Polistina thanked Perri for his long service.
“This does get called a thankless job but we all choose to do it,” he said. “It’s clear that you don’t think of it as thankless.”
Chau also noted the contributions of Councilwoman Barbara Madden, who served one term starting in 2019, losing in November to Carolyn Bucci.
“Thank you for your service, I enjoyed working with you,” Chau said.
“It’s been an honor to serve and a great learning experience,” Madden said. “I took my vote seriously and always tried to represent the people.”