HOWELL – After serving two consecutive terms, Mayor Theresa Berger will be retiring from the mayoral seat in January 2025.
Berger, a democratic leader and member of the Monmouth County Democratic Organization, has been serving as Mayor of Howell Township since 2017. With the most recent election coming to a close, her time on the board has come to an end.
Though given the opportunity, she did not apply for re-election for the upcoming year, nor did she apply for any council seats or positions, choosing instead to step away from politics and focus on new personal and professional endeavors.
Following in her place as mayor will be newly elected John Leggio of the Republican party.
At the first council meeting following the election, members of the council thanked Berger for her time on the council and presented her with a Golden Gavel award.
“In Appreciation For Your Dedicated Service to the Township of Howell,” the plaque read. “Presented to Theresa Berger, Mayor.”
A bouquet of followers was also presented to Berger alongside the plaque from the council. Throughout her time in office, Berger has been a figure of both admiration and controversy, often finding herself at the heart of passionate debates about the town’s future and legislation.
“This has been one hell of a ride. I did always want to do the right thing for the town, even though it didn’t seem that way on your side of the ledger,” she said at the meeting. “It’s okay to agree to disagree. Some of the disagreements went a little too far, but I’ve wiped that off. I’m thrilled and happy to have called myself mayor and worked alongside very talented people.”
While retiring from the mayoral position, Berger does not plan to retire from her day job. She has been serving as President and CEO of Ocean Health Initiatives, Inc. and will continue in this career.
In an emotional sentiment, Berger said, “I always felt that the people that brought me here were for a reason. And so I feel blessed to have participated in something like this.”
“I served eight years, that’s enough. You know, nothing is good forever. You need to have change. Eight years of me, my ideas and my thoughts is good enough,” she said. “I am going to take this time and learn Italian. That is the biggest aspiration I have [right now].”
In regards to Leggio, who will be sworn in as mayor this coming January, Berger has high hopes and ambitions for his term.
“I hope that he’s a breath of fresh air. We need it up there. Hopefully he is the guy he says he is. And if he is, all the power to him.” she said.
Leggio will officially begin serving as mayor in January of 2025, assuming Berger’s responsibilities and setting the new year in motion.
