Photo credit Belleville Township: Mayor Michael Melham, pictured with his mom, sister and nieces, is sworn in by former Gov. Richard Cody at the Mayor and Township Council's Reorganization meeting on July 1.

Michael Melham promised more of the same – more events, more quality-of-life initiatives, more steady leadership during inevitable crisis situations – as he was sworn in for his second term as Belleville’s mayor.

Sen. Richard Cody, the former Governor of New Jersey, administered the oath of office during the township’s Reorganization Meeting on Friday, July 1, 2022.

“I do not see the need to change course, for finally Belleville is no longer the butt of jokes, but rather we are the topic of conversation,” Melham said, whose remarks drew applause from the room filled with friends, family, Township employees and residents.

Melham’s running mates in the May election, Councilmembers Naomy DePeña and Thomas Graziano, were also sworn in for another four-year term Friday.

Graziano was sworn in by his uncle, Marine Corps retired Lt. Colonel Frank LaMura.

He was also selected as the town’s Deputy Mayor by a unanimous vote of the Council.

De Peña, who just wrapped up her term as the first Latina to serve as Deputy Mayor, took her oath in Spanish as it was administered by her father, Rev. Luis Fernandez.

Photo credit Belleville Township: Councilwoman Naomy De Peña is sworn in by her father, Rev. Luis Fernandez. De Peña, who was the first Latina to serve as the deputy mayor in Belleville, took her oath in Spanish.

Photo credit Belleville Township: Councilman Thomas Graziano is sworn in by his uncle, Marine Corps retired Lt. Colonel Frank LaMura. Graziano was also selected to serve as Deputy Mayor.

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