Township to Reorganize Monday, Brauckmann Will be Mayor

When the township reorganizes Monday, current Deputy Mayor Don Brauckmann will take over as mayor for 2012. Committeeman Anthony Minniti will be sworn in as this year’s deputy mayor.

“It’s hard for me to believe I’m going to be in the position of mayor of the township,” said Brauckmann, who’s succeeding Kathy Fitzpatrick. “It’s very humbling. It sets you back a little.”

Cinnaminson runs a , meaning members appoint a mayor each year. Brauckmann serves as the “team captain” of the board—as he puts it—since in a committee, all members have equal power.

Except, Brauckmann can perform weddings.

“Using that attitude,” he said, “I’m selected by my peers, I think about what I can do as an individual being a chairman of a committee.”

A big focus on Brauckmann in 2012, he said, is going to be on unity.

“Some of our residents feel disenfranchised, or that they aren’t listened to,” Brauckmann said. “If even one of our residents feels that way, I want to reach that person and let them know their opinions are valued and we will listen.”

Secondly, Brauckmann said he wants to educate the public.

“Even if it takes an extra minute or two to try to explain our process,” he said. “I think there’s a lack of understanding how government operates.”

Finally, Brauckmann said he wants to encourage residents to take pride and ownership of the township—in community events, park projects and more.

Alternately, Minniti said the township committee is looking to add more events to the 2012 calendar, in a similar fashion as and the .

“I think we’re going to look at expanding on some of our popular community activities,” Minniti said.

But, the first order of business is to maintain services when dealing with a 2 percent cap, he said.

“Going into the New Year, we’re going to look at continuing the redevelopment of Route 130,” he said. “We still have some properties we’re going to focus our attention to this year.”

All five committee members will retain their director seats as in 2011. They are as follows:

Don Brauckmann — Director of Parks and Recreation

Anthony Minniti — Director of Economic Development

Kathy Fitzpatrick — Director of Administration and Finance

Ben Young — Director of Public Works

John Rooney — Director of Public Safety

N.J. Rep. Jon Runyan (R-3) is scheduled to swear in Brauckmann, ceremonially. Runyan doesn’t have the authorization to officially swear Brauckmann in. The new mayor will be sworn in ahead of the meeting.

“I’m just honored he’s available and he’s able to do it for me,” Brauckmann said. “He’s someone I respect. I’m honored as can be.”

Minniti and Young will also be sworn in, having for their two open seats. Sen. Diane Allen (R-7) is scheduled to swear Minniti in, provided she can make the ceremony after the Senate’s voting session.

Superior Court Judge Janet Z. Smith is scheduled to swear Young in.

The reorganization meeting will start at 6:30 p.m., Monday, Jan. 9, at the township building.