Michael Melham's second term as mayor of Belleville promises to be a special event. State Senator and former Gov. Richard Codey (D-27th Dist.) will swear in Melham at a ceremony at Town Hall on July 1.
In last month's election, Melham clinched his second four-year term.
His first term in office has been marked by a focus on fostering redevelopment, implementing quality-of-life initiatives and safely guiding the town through an unprecedented pandemic and water crisis.
Melham's running mates, Deputy Mayor Naomy DePeña and At-Large Councilman Tommy Graziano, also won re-election.
Codey had long established himself as a leading Democratic voice in Essex County before becoming the 54th governor of New Jersey in 2004.
A native of nearby Orange, Codey is the longest-serving state legislator in New Jersey history, having served continuously since January 8, 1974.
"I am honored to have Governor Codey take part in my swearing-in ceremony," Melham said. "This is a special day made even more special by the participation of such a respected public servant and long-time member of the New Jersey Senate."