New mayor on duty in Howell
Robert F. Walsh and Susan Schroeder Clark sworn in to office
BY TOYNETT HALL Staff Writer
Howell residents filled town hall on New Year's Day to watch Robert F. Walsh be sworn in as Howell's mayor and Susan Schroeder Clark take the oath of office as a member of the Howell Township Council.

Walsh and Clark began serving four-year terms. Under Howell's form of government, the mayor is elected by voters, but serves as a member of the council and votes on all municipal business.

One seat on the council — the one held by Walsh before his election as mayor — remains vacant. It is expected that a resident will be appointed to that seat this month to serve through 2009.

Walsh and Clark are joined on the governing body by Angela Dalton and Michael Howell. All of the members of the governing body are independents who were elected without the backing of the Democratic Party or the Republican Party.

Dalton was selected as the deputy mayor for 2009 and introduced Clark.

"I have known Susan since 1988. She is an exemplary Monmouth County [assistant] prosecutor. She has shown patience, determination, poise, grace and dignity. She is an inspiration to all of us and will be an excellent councilwoman who will lead in the direction of fairness, integrity, and do good for the people of Howell," Dalton said.

Monmouth County Freeholder Barbara McMorrow administered the oath of office to Clark.

Clark graciously accepted her charge, crediting her parents for instilling a deep sense of public service within her. She said "it is not fair to ask of others what you aren't willing to do yourself," quoting Eleanor Roosevelt.

The new councilwoman promised to "work hard, weigh all the issues, and do what's best for the community."

The tone of the meeting became emotional once Walsh was inaugurated as mayor. Walsh has served Howell as a councilman and deputy mayor. He said he never thought becoming mayor would be part of the plan for his life.

"I never know where God is going to bring me," he said, thanking his parents, his wife and children, and former mayor Joseph DiBella for helping him to achieve the position.

Walsh called himself the "head servant" of the municipality and said he understands the hardships and tough economic times the community is facing. He promised to make tough decisions with love and understanding.

"There is no room for partisan politics, everything must be about serving the people," Walsh said.

Before Walsh left the podium, he presented DiBella with a plaque of appreciation for his service to Howell. DiBella served as a councilman for two years and just completed a four-year term as mayor.

"I consider Joseph DiBella an inspiration. He has helped me to grow as a person and he has helped me to prepare for this day," Walsh said.

The men embraced, and DiBella thanked Walsh for the honor and called the new mayor his friend. DiBella said it was a pleasure to serve his community.

"It was a little bit of heaven right here on Earth having the awesome privilege of being here today," he said.

In other business, the council appointed McKenna G. Kingdon as township attorney, creating a Department of Law within the municipality.