BERKELEY, NJ — After 32 years of serving Berkeley Township and its residents, Mayor Carmen Amato is moving on.
But before Amato is sworn in as the 9th Legislative District's state senator, his constituents, colleagues and family took time to thank him, presenting him with gratitude and gifts.
In a packed Township Council meeting, the last of 2023, with guests including Ocean County Board of Commissioners Director Joseph Vicari and Central Regional School District former superintendent David Trethaway, the community gathered to give Amato their best wishes.
"It's been a hell of a ride," Amato said as he reflected on his time as mayor.
A proud lifelong Bayville resident, Amato has been serving Berkeley in various ways for 32 years, dating back to his time coaching Little League and Pop Warner. From there, he was elected to the Berkeley Township Board of Education, then to the Central Regional Board of Education, and served on the Township Council before being elected mayor in 2011.
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When he took office in 2012, the township had $10,000 in reserve and was in debt. Then, Superstorm Sandy hit, creating a chaotic first year for the new mayor.
Amato said he was proud of what he had accomplished in his time as mayor, holding 123 community town hall meetings, preserving more than 1,000 acres of township land and being on the cusp of the revitalization of the Beachwood Mall.
Among those accomplishments was helping the Wunder Wiener get back and also, "we saved the dinosaur!"
And as of their last audit, the township had $12 million in surplus, Amato said.
"I leave the municipality in good hands," he said.
Many were sad to see him go, though he will still represent Berkeley, just at a higher level.
"He is the best mayor that served Berkeley Township," said Councilman Keith Buscio.
Amato's assistant, Gina Russo, got teary-eyed as she presented him with a leadership award.
"There is no mayor that has worked harder," Russo said.
Amato was also presented with a framed Berkeley Township sign, a personalized plaque and a proclamation from the council.
"Under his leadership, Berkeley Township rebuilt to become stronger, more united and more resilient than ever," Council President and Mayor-Elect John Bacchione read from the proclamation.
The council pledged to support Amato's legislative efforts and said they were proud to have him as a resident and "steward of all things Berkeley."
And while Amato may no longer be mayor after Jan. 1, he vowed that he would always take care of Berkeley.
"I may be fighting the good fight in Trenton," Amato said. "But my heart will always be in Berkeley Township."