SOMERS POINT — Dennis Tapp was sworn in Jan. 5 as the city’s first new mayor in 16 years, replacing longtime mayor Jack Glasser.
Tapp defeated U.S. Air Force veteran and nurse Morgan Slaughter in the November election.
“I am deeply and profoundly grateful for the trust and confidence you have shown in me by selecting me as your new mayor,” Tapp told those gathered. “I stand before you with a heart full of gratitude and a sense of responsibility that I do not take lightly.”
He thanked his wife and family for their support and the team of volunteers and supporters who worked on his campaign.
“As your new mayor, I pledge to serve the city with integrity, transparency and unwavering dedication for the well-being of every resident,” Tapp said. “Together we will work to build a stronger, more inclusive and prosperous community for all. In the coming days, weeks and months, I look forward to listening to your ideas, collaborating with you and making positive changes that our city deserves.
“My door will always be open for you to share your thoughts and ideas. Your voices will continue to shape our shared vision for the future. Let’s work together united to make Somers Point the best place to be. Together we can achieve great things.”
Tapp, 62, moved to Somers Point in 1985 and has witnessed the city’s strengths and challenges firsthand. He and his wife, Cheryl, have three children and five grandchildren. All three of their children were raised in Somers Point and graduated from Mainland Regional High School.
Tapp is a retired member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 351.
Having served 37 years, he has been retired for seven years and now puts his skills to work rehabbing homes in the community.
Tapp is no stranger to municipal government, having previously served on City Council. He was first elected in 2003 to an unexpired term but lost a narrow race to John DiMaria in 2005.
He ran again and won in 2010, then was re-elected in 2013 and 2016. Tapp then chose not to seek another term in 2019.
In addition to his time on City Council, Tapp has been involved in the community, including many youth activities.
He was a coach of street hockey, baseball and basketball while serving in leadership roles as president of the street hockey and basketball organizations. He is a current trustee of the Somers Point Historical Society.
Tapp was named the Somers Point Recreation Volunteer of the Year in 1998.
Glasser served as mayor since 2008, winning a second term by a landslide in 2011 with 75 percent of the vote and his third term in 2015. He ran unopposed in 2019.
“I have big shoes to fill in, that’s for sure,” Tapp told the Sentinel. “I will do my best to support council and do everything for the residents of Somers Point.”
He said his powers are limited as mayor but the bottom line is protecting the public and the well-being of the people of Somers Point.
“I take that responsibility seriously,” he said, noting he already has a good relationship with the heads of the police, fire and emergency management teams.
Tapp’s term is through Dec. 31, 2027
Also sworn in were First Ward Councilman Richard DePamphilis III and new Ward II City Councilman Charles Haberkorn.
DePamphilis won re-election to the Ward I seat in November, defeating challenger AnnMarie Gibbs.
A longtime former mayor of Linwood, he was appointed in February 2022 to fill the seat left vacant when former councilwoman Stacy Ferreri resigned. The 74-year-old and his wife of 51 years, Sally, have four children and nine grandchildren.
Newcomer Charlie Haberkorn defeated incumbent Karen Bruno for the Ward II seat. The 65-year-old is co-chairman of the city’s Economic Development Advisory Commission and serves on the Somers Point Board of Education. He’s also a member of Lawson’s Pride, a local group that support the U.S. Coast Guard.
Council President Janice Johnston was unanimously re-elected to the leadership position for another year.
“Thank you to this council for your support and for electing me as your president to serve again this year,” Johnston said, vowing to get a lot down this year. “I appreciate everything that everybody up here does. I look forward to working with Councilman Haberkorn as our new member here and Mayor Tapp.”
Councilman Howard Dill was re-elected as president pro tempore.
By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff