HOWELL – The start of 2025 begins the start of a new term for Howell’s Township Council, and newly elected Mayor John Leggio is really seizing the initiative.
Leggio, who is serving his very first mayoral term on behalf of the Republican party, was sworn in to the position during the council’s reorganization meeting on January 1. Prior to his appointment, Theresa Berger served two consecutive terms as mayor with the Democrat party.
His main priorities for the town, Leggio said, include concerns with taxes, quality of life and police enforcement. Alongside these public issues, he has also prioritized the work and performance at the level of the Town Council.
“My biggest thing is accountability with our professionals, with the people that run everything in [Howell],” he said. “I’d like to work with everybody, hold our professionals accountable and I want transparency. I want to be transparent with the residents, I don’t want anybody thinking there’s backroom deals or stuff like that, that’s not fair.”
Leggio has lived in Howell Township since his childhood, having moved to the town in 1986. Growing up there, he said, he has noticed some differences, both good and bad. But when it came down to taxes and funding, he knew he wanted to see change.
While the 2025 budget has not been available as of writing, Leggio plans to read and analyze it thoroughly to ensure its efficiency. He also has some new ideas he hopes to see developed in the plan, including developments in recreational facilities and possibly senior and veteran housing.
“If you look at our [sports facilities] compared to some other towns, I think we are a little bit behind. I think we should do a better job of giving back to the taxpayers with better facilities. I think the residents would really appreciate that,” he said. “And since it’s hard to live here getting older, I’d like to work on some housing for seniors and veterans. I think that could be beneficial for a lot of residents of Howell.”
Some of his other ideas include finding ways to acquire more Howell Township police officers and apply more ordinances to control the town’s ongoing rental property issues. Leggio believes these issues are interfering with the quality of life for the residents of Howell.
“I know [rental properties] have been a point of contention for the past year or so, but we are doing an excellent job with the rentals. We passed a bunch of ordinances before I got in, and we are keeping an eye on them and executing them the right way. People pay a lot of taxes here, so there’s no reason why we shouldn’t have well managed neighborhoods,” he said.
During his swearing in, alongside his friends and family, Leggio was supported by radio personality and politician Bill Spadea. While there was some brief conflict between Leggio and the established council regarding transparency issues, Leggio was grateful for the ceremony and for the experience.
“I’m just honored to serve here as mayor. I moved here in 1986, grew up here as a kid, and it’s the honor of a lifetime to serve as mayor in the town I grew up in,” he said. “It’s an absolute dream come true for me.”
He said he also believes his belief on transparency should extend beyond the town council to the residents of Howell. He openly encourages the public to reach him with any issues they may have.
Leggio will serve as Howell mayor until 2029 when his term ends. With his commitment to transparency, accountability, and addressing the needs of residents, Leggio said he plans to bring a fresh perspective to the town’s leadership.
