Signorino, McGuinness take office

BY LINDA SMITH HANCHARICK
WEST MILFORD — Luciano “Lou” Signorino and Peter McGuinness took their oaths of office to serve on the township council Wednesday night, surrounded by family and friends.
State Senator Joseph Pennacchio administered the oath to Signorino, who is beginning his third term as West Milford councilman.
“I certainly don’t take this responsibility lightly,” Signorino said as he thanked the community for supporting him through his campaigns.
McGuinness, too, thanked the community for the support it has given to him. The long-time resident is well known for his volunteer activities with the fire department and youth sports. Assemblyman Jay Webber did the honor of administering the oath of office to McGuinness.
New council presidentCouncilman Mike Hensley was chosen council president, with Mayor Bettina Bieri casting the tie-breaking vote.
Hensley, along with Signorino, McGuinness and Councilman Tim Wagner, were all nominated for council president. They each received three votes in favor and three against. Councilwomen Ada Erik and Marilyn Lichtenberg supported Hensley. Signorino, McGuinness and Wagner all voted for themselves and each other but against Hensley.
Bieri broke the tie at the end of the night. She said she chose Hensley because he is the most senior person nominated who hasn’t served in the position already. Hensley is in his second term on the council. Signorino, although more senior, has already served as council president.
Council president has no other official duties except to run council meetings in the absence of the mayor.
More tie breakersBieri cast the deciding vote for other appointments during the reorganization meeting as well. She chose the Planning Board alternate member, a TV Commission member and two members of the Insurance Committee.
On the Insurance Committee, three people were chosen unanimously — Andie Pegel, Peter Labate and Andy Gargano. All three are insurance professionals. Five others had 3-3 votes. Bieri explained she voted for former council members Michele Dale and Robert Nolan because they are financial executives and have experience on the council.
“They were the next best choices,” she said.
On the TV Commission, she voted in favor of June Anderson over Gary Steele. Anderson has applied in the past, Bieri said, and not been chosen.
“I want to give June the opportunity to serve,” said Bieri.
For the Planning Board, Bieri chose Mike Siesta over Republican Municipal County Committee Chairman Matt Conlon.