From the Egg Harbor News, Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Reported in the Egg Harbor News, Ben Meritt, Staff Writer

St. Amour named new mayor of Mullica Township

The township committee appointed Michael St. Amour as the municipality's new mayor during the recent reorganization meeting.

Susan Polk and Anthony Gabris were sworn into three-year terms.

They joined committee members Bernard Graebener, who was appointed deputy mayor, and William Kennedy, the lone Republican on the five person board.

St. Amour, who ran on the Keep Mullica Green ticket in 2008, aid he wants to keep the rural township's characteristics in place while still moving the community forward.

One possibility is a solar energy facility that could generate power for homeowners and businesses.

"We don't want to have something that is going to impact the environment. this goes hand in hand with out motto. This would be a big help to our taxpayers" St. amour said. "One of the things that we do pay every month and adds up is the electricity for the street lighting".

Committee members also want to restore the confidence residents have in their governing body, St. Amour added.

"We're kind of fascinated by the whole process. Mullica is typically a strong Republican town. Keep Mullica Green ran a strong campaign. It's been quite a transition here," St. Amour said.

The committee also will look for possible cost savings, under the premise state aid to municipalities will decrease this year given New Jersey's budget deficit.