BLOOMFIELD, NJ -- Mayor Michael Venezia began his third term Friday night, after being sworn-in by Governor Phil Murphy at the newly renovated Council Chambers in Town Hall. Dr. Wartyna Davis began her third Council term, sworn-in by Assemblywoman Britnee Timberlake, and Councilmen Rich Rockwell and Ted Gamble began their second and third terms, respectively. Both were sworn-in by Essex County Freeholder and former Bloomfield Councilman Carlos Pomares.
“I am so proud to be able to serve as Mayor of my hometown, and guide Bloomfield into a brighter future. Over the past six years, we have steadily and drastically reduced crime, while making infrastructure improvements to our roads and water system, and adding tax ratables that have kept our taxes flat,” said Mayor Michael Venezia. “None of this would be possible without the support and innovative thinking of my Council colleagues, each of whom works so hard to collect feedback from and progress initiatives important to their constituents.”
Other elected officials present included Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo, State Senator Ronald Rice, Assemblymembers Ralph Caputo, Cleopatra Tucker and Britnee Timberlake, Freeholders Pomares and Pat Sebold and Freeholder President Brendan Gill, and Essex County Chairman Leroy Jones.
"I'm proud to be here to swear-in Mayor Mike Venezia, who has been a great public servant for the people of Bloomfield. His leadership and vision for a revitalized Bloomfield has been realized, as we see crime decreasing, property values and quality of life rising, and taxes staying flat. Bloomfield's growth is crucial to the growth of New Jersey's economy, and I am proud to have Mayor Venezia and the town’s council members as partners," said Governor Phil Murphy.
“I would like to recognize the efforts of my running mates and your great Councilmembers-at-Large, Dr. Wartyna Davis, Ted Gamble and Rich Rockwell,” said Venezia. “Councilwoman Davis is among the leaders of our Season of Giving charitable events, and the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Day of Service, Councilman Gamble plays a leading role in our arts community, including Most Talented competition and our beloved Town Paints event, as well 
as does a great job of outreach with our animal shelter. Councilman Rockwell brings his great expertise of Bloomfield history to the Council, working to preserve and invest in the many beautiful homes and monuments that make Bloomfield so beautiful, as well as the Morris Canal. They have all joined me in working with our Department Heads to ensure Bloomfield is operating efficiently, saving taxpayers money while delivering great services. I am excited to begin a new term with their partnership, and excited for continued progress in Bloomfield.”