Mayor, deputy mayor served the township
UPPER TOWNSHIP – On Monday evening Upper Township Committee honored Mayor Richard Palombo and Deputy Mayor Edward Barr, two public servants who will leave their posts at the end of the year.
In turn, they had the honor of presenting the resolutions commending each other for their years of service to the township.
“He has served with integrity, dedication and distinguished service,” said Barr of Palombo, who has been part of the committee since 1998.
Barr then ran down the astounding number of roles Palombo has filled over the years.
“He did everything,” Barr said.
Among them were zoning board, director of public safety, animal control, lifeguards, fire and rescue, personnel, municipal court, construction code and emergency management.
“Mayor Palombo has guided this community through so many major events,” Barr said. “Projects, programs and crises including the tragedy of 9/11.”
Barr also commended Palombo’s work on replenishment of the Strathmere beaches and construction of the Community Center, as well as the recent sale of B.L. England to a developer.
Palombo also ran with Barbara Camp when she became the first woman to serve on the committee in 2004.
“He served with great diligence, fairness and unswerving commitment to the well-being of the township and its residents,” Barr said, “earning the admiration, respect, esteem and affection of his colleagues and community.”
“We extend our deepest thanks to Richard Palombo for his many years of distinguished public service.”
“Mayor Palombo served with integrity, honor and duty,” said Municipal Clerk Barbara Young, adding that working with Palombo has been “a great honor and pleasure.”
“I’m only as good as you, Barb,” he replied, a sentiment he applied to the whole committee.
“The reality is you’re only as good as the committee that serves with you,” Palombo said. “The people you serve with allow you the opportunity to move forward with decisions.”
“Over the years the committee always worked together. We may not agree on things, but we agree to get a consensus and we were able to accomplish a lot,” he said. “As my colleagues move forward I wish them all the luck, and I hope they work together with the same type of partnership.”
“I’m incredibly privileged the committee saw fit to support me for 22 years.”
Palombo then honored his three-time running mate Barr.
“He’s been a great asset to this Township Committee,” Palombo said, “serving with good faith and dedication.”
Barr is stepping down after nine years on the committee.
Like Palombo, Barr has worn a number of hats over the years.
The mayor noted that Barr previously served as director of ports and recreation, animal control, public buildings, municipal court, fire and rescue, public safety and public works.
“This committee extends its sincere thanks to Ed,” Palombo said, as well as “our best wishes for continued happiness, good health and success in all his future endeavors.”
“It’s been an honor serving,” Barr said, “but we’re leaving you in good hands.”
Palombo then made sure to thank his wife and family for their support over the years.
“We missed a lot of family functions to serve the township,” he said.
“I wish you both a happy and healthy retirement,” said Township Administrator Scott Morgan.
The next order of business was American Legion Post 239 of Tuckahoe presenting the Blue Star Banner to Jay and Fran Newman for their son, Maj.John Newman.
The banner was traditionally hung in windows of the homes of servicemen to honor them during World War I and World War II.
Jay Newman, a former and future committeeman, noted the irony of accepting the award on the evening Palombo is retiring.
As Newman recalled, Palombo 20 years ago allowed a young John to bang the gavel on the dais.
Newman was touched to receive the honor on his son’s behalf.
“It renews your faith in America” to see the military appreciated, he said.
The committee then honored local teacher Amy Holmes for being named Cape May County Volunteer of the Year and Upper Township Citizen of the Year.
The mayor praised her work in drug abuse education and for providing drug- and alcohol-free fun for kids.
Holmes is also an integral part of the After Prom Committee for Ocean City.
“Amy has exemplified a life of helping others,” Palombo said.
This was the final Township Committee meeting of the year.
The Township will hold a Planning Board meeting at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16.
By KYLE McCRANE/Special to the Sentinel
