Mayor of Edison, New Jersey facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mayor of Edison
The Seal of Township of Edison
Incumbent Sam Joshi since January 1, 2022
Inaugural holder	Julius C. Engel
Formation	1931
Salary	$135,000 as of 2022
Website	Office of the Mayor (Official): https://www.edisonnj.gov/departments/mayor/index.php

Have you ever wondered who is in charge of your town or city? In many places, that person is called the Mayor! The Mayor is like the leader of the local government. They help make important decisions for everyone living in the community. This article tells you about the Mayors of Edison Township, New Jersey, in the United States.

Edison Township used to be called Raritan Township. It got its new name, Edison, in November 1954. This was done to honor the famous inventor, Thomas Edison, who had his main laboratory in Menlo Park, which is part of Edison Township.

What Does a Mayor Do?

A Mayor has many important jobs. They work to make sure the town runs smoothly. This includes things like:

• Overseeing town departments, like police and fire services.
• Managing the town's budget and money.
• Representing the town at events and meetings.
• Working with the town council to create new rules and plans.
• Listening to the people who live in the town and trying to solve their problems.

The Mayor helps make Edison a great place to live, learn, and play!

A Look at Edison's Mayors

Edison Township has had many Mayors since it was first formed. Each one has played a part in shaping the town. Here's a list of the people who have served as Mayor:

Early Mayors of Raritan and Edison

The first official Mayor of Raritan Township was Edward E. Meeker. He started his term in 1927. Sadly, he passed away while still in office on April 1, 1930. After him, Peter Knudsen served as an acting Mayor for a short time.

Julius C. Engel served two terms as Mayor.

Julius C. Engel became Mayor in 1931 and served until 1935. He was also Mayor again later, from 1947 to 1951.

Walter C. Christensen was Mayor starting in 1935. He was very popular and received many votes in his election.

Mayors After the Name Change

After Raritan Township became Edison Township in 1954, new Mayors continued to lead the community.

Thomas J. Swales Jr. was Mayor in the late 1950s.

Thomas J. Swales Jr. became Mayor on May 17, 1955. He served one term.

Anthony M. Yelencsics served as Mayor for several terms. His first term began on January 1, 1958. He served three terms in a row. He later served again from 1978 to 1989.

Bernard James Dwyer later became a U.S. Congressman.

Bernard James Dwyer was Mayor from January 1, 1970, to January 1, 1974. He later went on to serve in the United States Congress!

Thomas H. Paterniti also served as Mayor more than once. His first term was from 1974 to 1978. He returned as Mayor from 1990 to 1991.

Recent Mayors of Edison

In more recent times, Edison has continued to elect leaders to guide the township.

George A. Spadoro served as Mayor for three terms, from January 1, 1994, to January 1, 2006.

Jun Choi was Mayor from 2006 to 2010. After him, Antonia Ricigliano served from 2010 to 2014.

Thomas Lankey was Mayor for two terms, from January 1, 2014, to January 1, 2022.

The Current Mayor

Sam Joshi is the current Mayor of Edison.

The current Mayor of Edison Township is Sam Joshi. He began his term on January 1, 2022. He continues to work for the people of Edison today.

Images for kids

• 

  Edward E. Meeker, the first official Mayor.

• 

  Peter Knudsen, Acting Mayor in 1930.

• 

  Walter C. Christensen, Mayor from 1935.

References