TOMS RIVER, NJ – New Jersey State Senator John Bramnick conducted the swearing-in of Toms River’s newly elected Mayor Dan Rodrick and councilmembers Lynn O’Toole, Tom Nivison, and Craig Coleman at the town hall. The ceremony took place during the 2024 annual reorganization meeting of Toms River Township Council, attended by about 250 residents.
“I was honored to be there, as since entering the legislature, my belief has been in the importance of compromise and discussion. It’s crucial that we collaborate with everyone and work across all parties,” Bramnick said after the ceremony. “Clearly, the residents of Toms River voted for Dan because he successfully appealed to a broad spectrum of voters – Democrats, unaffiliated individuals, and Republicans. His campaign was focused on Toms River and tailored to its residents. When you concentrate your efforts at any level with such specificity, it becomes evident to people that your mission is attuned to their needs.”
This annual meeting marked a new chapter for Toms River Township, with Rodrick taking over as Mayor. Following their oath of office, the council unanimously appointed Councilman Coleman as Council President and Councilwoman O’Toole as Council Vice President.
“It’s time to bring everyone together here in Toms River. We all want the same thing: to live in a town with safe streets, good schools, and low property taxes. People move to Toms River to get away from overcrowded cities. Residents are happy with the way Toms River is; we don’t want to live in a city,” Rodrick said.
Senator Bramnick, who shares similar governmental and fiscal principles with Rodrick, administered the Oath of Office. Rodrick emphasized their common approach towards non-partisan community service and fiscal conservatism in government.
The November 2023 election was a historical moment for Rodrick and his team, who secured 71.29% of the vote, a margin never before seen in the township. They achieved a landmark victory by winning every voting district, as confirmed by former Township Historian J. Mark Mutter.
Similarly, Senator Bramnick secured his re-election in 2023 with a 54.5% majority.
“What residents expect is a focus on the job at hand and dedication to the town. Dan reached out to everyone in Toms River, without limiting his attention to any specific group or interest,” Senator Bramnick said. “Authenticity resonates with people. It is a crucial attribute for a candidate. The people of Toms River sensed this authenticity in Dan, which played a significant role in his victory.”
A notable resolution from the meeting was the appointment of Jonathan Solanis as Director of the Department of Recreation by the Township of Toms River, Ocean County.
Senator Bramnick highlighted the importance of cross-party collaboration and commended Rodrick for appealing to a broad spectrum of voters. He stressed the significance of focusing on local needs and maintaining authenticity in political campaigns.
Mayor Rodrick expressed gratitude towards his family, team, and the voters for their support. He reiterated his commitment to uniting Toms River’s residents and focusing on the town’s essential needs like safety, education, and fiscal responsibility. He announced immediate actions to reduce bureaucracy and wasteful spending, emphasizing his approach towards development and governance.
George Gilmore, the Ocean County GOP Chairman and Board of Elections Chairman, commented on Mayor Dan Rodrick’s victory and the implications for the township’s future.
“I’d like to congratulate Dan, Craig, Tom, and Lynn on their victory. One thing I observed is the overwhelming margin of their victory, which was largely due to the hard work and tenacity of Dan Rodri. We haven’t always seen eye to eye, but we agree to disagree when necessary, and I think that’s essential here,” Gilmore stated. “Dan has a vision and a plan he wants to put in place. Nobody should reject it out of hand. Instead, we ought to listen to the reasoning behind it and realize that the people of this town gave them an overwhelming majority to effect change from how things have been done in the past.”