Economic development continues to be at the core of Somerset County Freeholder's agenda as construction of corporate campuses in suburban Central Jersey has been replaced by growth in urban centers.
SOMERVILLE - Peter S. Palmer, named Freeholder director at the board's annual reorganization meeting, said economic development continues to be at the core of the group's agenda as construction of corporate campuses in suburban Central Jersey has been replaced by growth in urban centers.
"Working through the Business Partnership, county Planning Board and others, the freeholders continue to extend every effort to promote a priority investment framework to support the redevelopment of critical sites and attract new businesses throughout the county," Palmer said during the reorganization meeting. "These initiatives have identified Somerset County as a place of innovative leadership.
"We can't be the best just by saying we are. We are competing against other counties, regions and states. We must continue to offer the best services and always look to improve them in a cost-effective manner. We must never be afraid to think and act boldly and creatively."
Palmer, of Bernardsville, was sworn in by Somerset County Superior Court Assignment Judge Yolanda Ciccone during the meeting held recently at the Historic Courthouse, according to a news release.
"One of our most important responsibilities is to work cooperatively and supportively with our 21 incredibly diverse communities and their municipal governments," Palmer said. "Every entity in county government is involved in this ongoing effort, one example of which is shared services."
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Somerset County also will continue to invest in its quality of life by preserving open space, farmland and historic sites, and by providing financial assistance to municipalities for the purchase of open space and the development of recreational facilities.
"All of our ongoing services and new initiatives are being accomplished within the fiscal constraints of our tax levy," Palmer noted.
Palmer thanked the hundreds of volunteers and highlighted some of the past year's accomplishments, including the opening of the new Bridgewater Senior Wellness Center, the Somerset County Library System's designation as one of America's Four Star Libraries, and the presentation of an international award, shared by only a handful of gardens in the United States, to Colonial Park for its rose garden.
"All of these achievements help to build Somerset County's national reputation as a desirable place to live, work, learn and play," Palmer said.
Patrick Scaglione of Bridgewater will serve as deputy director this year.
Freeholder Patricia L. Walsh of Green Brook was sworn in to a fourth, three-year term, and other members of the board include Mark Caliguire of Montgomery and Brian D. Levine of Franklin.
Also taking the oath of office was Sheriff Frank J. Provenzano of Raritan, who was re-elected to a fifth, three-year term.