Politics & Government

Andrew McNally Appointed To Open Bernards Township Committee Seat

McNally was chosen to fill the open seat left by Joseph Esposito who resigned earlier in May.

Andrew McNally was sworn into office during the May 25 township committee meeting.
Andrew McNally was sworn into office during the May 25 township committee meeting. (Courtesy of Bernards Township Video)

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Republican candidate Andrew McNally was appointed to fill an open seat on the township committee after Deputy Mayor Joseph Esposito resigned last month.

The Bernard Township Republican Committee nominated three candidates to fill the open seat including Jennifer Asay, Andrew McNally, and Tyler Seville. Both Asay and McNally were candidates already filed to run for election in the primary race.

Committeeperson James Baldassare Jr. chose McNally to fill the open seat and the nomination was seconded by committeeperson Kathleen Grochala at the May 25 committee meeting.

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"They are all excellent," said Baldassare at the meeting of the candidates. "I would like to nominate Andrew McNally."

The decision was unanimously passed by the committee.

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"It's a true privilege to join this committee. I believe this committee's work is tremendously important. In part, because it is the level of government that is closest to the people. Thank you all for your warm welcome and I look forward to getting down to business," said McNally.

McNally will finish out Esposito's term, which was set to expire this year. McNally will continue to run in the upcoming primary and general elections for a full term.

While the primary election is uncontested in Bernards Township, McNally and Asay will be facing off against Democrats Sophia Chadda and Jessica Simpson-Cook in the general election in November.

Esposito's resignation became effective at the end of May. He announced his resignation at the beginning of May due to his move to South Carolina. Read More: Bernards Township Committeeman Esposito Is Resigning, Moving

The township committee also filled Esposito's roles since his departure. Baldassare will now serve as Deputy Mayor.

Additionally, Esposito's following seats were also reassigned:

  • Somerset County Solid Waste Advisory Committee, term expiring 12/31/2021. - McNally
  • Police Subcommittee, term expiring 12/31/2021 - Janice Fields
  • Library Board, term expiring 12/31/2021 - McNally
  • Sewerage Authority, term expiring 12/31/2021 - McNally
  • Planning Board, Class III, term expiring 12/312021 - McNally
  • Township Committee liaison - BRFC, term expiring 12/31/2021 - McNally

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