No Shake-Up at Commissioners Re-Org

Anyone going into the reorgnization meeting of the Collingswood borough commissioners expecting drastic changes to the leadership structure of "Team Collingswood," which swept the field in the municipal elections a week ago, would have been disappointed.

Commissioners James Maley, Joan Leonard and Michael Hall retained their respective assignments—as Commissioner of Public Affairs and Public Safety; Commissioner of Public Works, Parks and Public Property; and Commissioner of Revenue and Finance—with Maley staying on for another four-year term as borough mayor.

After the meeting, Maley declined to comment as to whether he felt any changes should have been expected; Hall was more plain-spoken.

"Jim’s a great mayor," Hall said. "He’s done fabulous things. He's also the point guy who gets the criticism. When he’s ready to retire, that’s when he can retire—or when somebody can beat him, which I don't see happening."

During his remarks, Maley did acknowledge those who complained during the campaign that the trio's unified public face neccesarily depicts a uniformity of opinions.

"We’ve used this Team Collingswood [ticket] for a long time, and it’s because it is [a team]," Maley said. "There was some criticisms lodged that we never disagree. One, I don’t see that that’s a real problem, but two, I can assure you that that’s not the case."

All three also acknowledged in their remarks not only the longevity of their winning ticket but their undiminished enthusiasm for the tasks at hand in the next term.

"I really am excited about our prospects," Maley said. "I feel like I have the same energy when we started this. There’s a lot of new things, and I really feel that the next few years are going to really be exciting for us. Thank you all for your help and support. We’re going to need it for the next few years." 

"I am thankful for the blessings and the challenges that help us grow," Leonard said. "We take a step forward and we grow together and that’s what makes this town great. I’m grateful to my family, and I hope we work through the next four years together doing great things."