Former Councilwoman Ileana Schirmer apparently has only stepped away from the dais temporarily.
At Tuesday nights first meeting of Hamilton’s newest council, she was unanimously appointed to the township zoning board by the Martin administration.
Hamilton’s newly elected Mayor Jeff Martin is making good on his promise to be the Mayor for everyone, regardless of their political party.
Schirmer, a Republican opted not to run for re-election in November and was a very public critic of her former running mate Mayor Kelly Yaede on various issues including fire consolidation to her handling the debacle at the animal shelter.
Schirmer has been praised for her willingness to stand up for what she felt was right and make her voice heard despite political ramifications.
Schirmer was even included in the swearing-in remarks of Hamilton’s newest Councilman Pat Papero, who publicly thanked Schirmer and called her an inspiration.
In a recent column by the Trentonian’s LA Parker, he outlined how she received adult adoration from Democrats during and after an inauguration ceremony at Stone Terrace restaurant.
Dumont, Fitzgerald confirmed by Council
Besides the appointment of Schirmer on the docket was the approval of Fred Dumont and Kathy Fitzgerald as directors in Mayor Martin’s administration.
Former Democratic Councilman, then-Republican Council Candidate Vinne Capodanno who was a harsh critic of Jeff Martin during the recent campaign was suddenly a fan of Martin’s choice of Dumont as the director took to the podium exclaiming:
There is no better fit than Freddie. Of all the appointments I’ve seen in a long time, I think this is the best appointments ever.
Both Dumont who was named director of the Department of Community Planning and Compliance, as well as Fitzgerald who will head the Department of Health, Recreation, Seniors and Veterans Services, received the approval of all four councilmembers for their respective positions.
