Freehold Twp. picks new mayor

Freehold Township's new mayor, Anthony Ammiano (Image from twp.freehold.nj.us)

The Township Committee promoted Deputy Mayor Anthony Ammiano to mayor Tuesday night.

Fellow Township Committee member David Salkin also got bumped up to deputy mayor, in a reshuffling prompted by the death of Raymond Kershaw.

Kershaw, 67, died last month after a battle with thyroid cancer. The Township Committeeman had been serving this year as township mayor.

Kershaw's death has led to several changes in the town's leadership, as officials sought to fill the void he left.

Last week, Committee members appointed local businessman - and longtime Planning Board chair - Robert McGirr to Kershaw's vacated seat.

McGirr will also take Kershaw's place on the campaign trail this year. Kershaw had been running for re-election at the time of his death.

Freehold Twp. welcomes new Committeeman (UPDATED)

Freehold Township Clerk Terry Warner swears in new Committeeman Robert McGirr. Committeewoman Dorothy Avallone holds the Bible for McGirr. (Image courtesy of Freehold Township.)

Freehold Township's longtime Planning Board chair was chosen Tuesday night to replace Raymond Kershaw on the Township Committee.

"I'm honored and can only say thank you," Robert McGirr, 56, said Tuesday.

The Township Committee chose McGirr - owner of the Clayton and McGirr Funeral Home in Freehold Township - from a pool of three candidates nominated by a committee of local Republicans. He will serve out the rest of Kershaw's unexpired term, which ends this year.

Kershaw died last month after a battle with thyroid cancer.

For more about McGirr - and what's next for the Committee - read the full Asbury Park Press article here.

UPDATE:  A local Republican committee unanimously endorsed Robert McGirr Wednesday to replace Raymond Kershaw on the November ballot, according to township Republican municipal chair Tom Apostle.

McGirr will run in Kershaw's stead for a seat on the Township Committee.