Freeholder Chairperson Amy Gatto

Atlantic County Board of Chosen Freeholders has its first-ever female chairperson.

Republican Amy Gatto, of Hamilton Township, was unanimously elected to head the board at the Jan. 1 reorganization meeting. She follows eight years of chairmanship by At-Large Freeholder Frank Formica.

"I'm beyond humbled he made the nomination for me to fill his shoes. It's quite an honor," said Gatto. "He’s been a great mentor and has offered to continue that level of support."

Formica, who late last year announced his candidacy for state Assembly, had said he would nominate Gatto to lead the freeholder board.

Gatto, former Deputy Mayor of Hamilton Township, was first elected to the board in 2016, after being appointed to finish the unexpired term of Freeholder-at-large Will Pauls. 

She said her first priority will be the county budget, followed closely by continuing to develop ways to diversity both political participation in the county and the economic engine of the county.

"I was fortunate enough to chair the budget committee last year, and will continue this year," said Gatto. "We want to keep things as stable and affordable while providing the services we need."

Republican Maureen Kern, of Somers Point, was re-elected vice chair. Kern was elected freeholder in 2016 after being a Somers Point councilwoman and school board member.

After two female Democratic contenders won in 2017, the board is now made up of four women and five men.

“Atlantic County has reached a historic milestone in helping crack the glass ceiling in New Jersey politics," said Atlantic County Republican Committee Chair Keith Davis. "The hurdles against women in running for office and obtaining leadership positions are significant, even though more than half of the electorate is female. Amy Gatto and Maureen Kern persevered and prevailed. It’s a proud day for Atlantic County and our party."

Davis said the county committee will continue its efforts to encourage and support more women to run for office "until the composition of our boards, councils and commissions is a true reflection of the voters they represent.”

https://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/breaking/first-woman-elected-chair-of-freeholder-board/article_032c52aa-7680-567d-889f-4e7c5bb009b4.html