Leonard Sendelsky and Ajay Patil won their first terms, while Michael R. Lombardi and Robert Karabinchak were re-elected.
EDISON -- The township on Wednesday night swore in two new members of the township council and two others who were re-elected to four-year terms.
Newly minted Councilmen Leonard Sendelsky and Ajay Patil earned the blessing of the local Democratic committee early in 2015 and cruised to their first terms in November. They took the oath of office from state Senator Peter Barnes and former Democratic chairman Dr. Thomas Paterniti, respectively, at a ceremony in council chambers.
Councilman Michael R. Lombardi was sworn in by his father, Michael F. Lombardi, a local lawyer and political activist. Councilman Robert Karabinchak was sworn in by the mayor, Thomas Lankey. Lombardi and Karabinchak were Democratic incumbents.
Lombardi was named council president, and Councilman Alvaro Gomez was named council vice president of the seven-member board.
They took office as Edison faces challenges and opportunities heading into the second half of Lankey's term.
The tax levy will be closely watched this year. The tax levy, or total amount to be raised by taxes, went up 9 percent in 2014 and 3 percent in 2015.
Edison is also dealing with employment issues in the police department, legal bills and police and fire union contracts.
Workers are also embarking on an ambitious paving project that will fix up roads around town.
Brian Amaral may be reached at bamaral@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @bamaral44. Find NJ.com on Facebook.