'Committee Will Continue to Work Together' After Divided Vote, Gallop Says

A divided vote for Chatham Township's mayor and deputy mayor doesn't mean the five-member governing body won't continue to work together to keep taxes low and residents safe, Committeeman Robert Gallop said.

Gallop said in an emailed statement it was an honor to the take the oath of office, and that he is more committed than ever to serve residents.

Gallop, who was sworn into his third term at Friday's reorganization meeting, was nominated to be mayor by Committeewoman Katherine Abbott, but Kevin Sullivan, who is starting his second year on the Township Committee, was appointed mayor by a 3-2 vote.

Sullivan, in his mayor's address Friday, said he is honored to be mayor and looks forward to working with all the members of the Township Committee.

"The township is the oldest form of government in New Jersey and as such, we are a committee of equals," he said. "I believe as a town we are fortunate to have such a talented group of individuals serving on this committee."

Gallop's statement is below.

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank the people of Chatham for honoring me with a third term on the Chatham Township Committee.  It was an honor to take the oath of office for a third time last Friday.

It was also a privilege to be Mayor, although only for five minutes.  I note a positive trend in that regard.

Ms. Hagner was Mayor for 4 years, Mr. Brower was Mayor for 3 weeks, and I was Mayor for 5 minutes. For those of us who believe in limited government and shared responsibility this is truly a step in the right direction. 

On a serious note, although there was a divided vote for Mayor and Deputy Mayor, I am committed more than ever to improve the quality of our town for the residents I am honored to serve.  I believe the Committee will continue to work together to address the concerns of our residents: keeping taxes as low as possible while providing quality services, the safety of our residents, a first class recreational program and the pursuit of open space opportunities.

Working together we will keep Chatham a  wonderful place to live.