HAMMONTON -- The election of Michael Torrissi Jr. as the new Hammonton Republican Club president represents a changing of the guard for the local GOP.
"I felt the need to step forward to make some changes that were long overdue," said Torrissi, 34. "You can't run a business like its 1950. You have to change with the times."
Torrissi -- elected Feb. 3 during the club's annual reorganization meeting -- replaces Frank DiMatteo, who served as party president for 18 years.
"We want to get everyone's spark and interest in our organization," Torrissi said." I know a lot of good things have been happening in Hammonton, and we need to let people know the Republicans are a part of that."
Club members elected J. Vincenzo Penza as first vice president and Angie Rodio as second vice-president.
John Scianni was named club treasurer, succeeding Joseph Giralo. Steven Furgione takes over for Torrissi as campaign treasurer. Charles Woolson was named parliamentarian, replacing Angela Costigan. Conchetta Lawly and Lois Morano continue in their roles as recording and corresponding secretaries. Michael Pajic was re-appointed sergeant at arms.
Torrissi said he will look to consult party veterans such as DiMatteo.
"I'll look for them for guidance. It's not something where I'll step in and say, 'It's my way or the highway,'" Torrissi said. "You need input from everybody."
Former GOP Councilman Anthony Marino said the leadership change is a signal the club is "headed in another direction."
"The younger members want everyone to be involved," Marino said. "You are going to see a lot more effort to reach out to the public and include the residents in a lot more of what we are going to be doing."
One of the first orders of business is finalizing a slate for the next election, which will include three council seats and the mayor's seat.
Congratulations to Mr. Torrissi on re-energizing the GOP in the town of Hammonton. I also want to congratulate Joe Ingemi on replacing Sam Mento in the Democratic party. It will be nice to see these new leaders build up the party bases.
Isn't Joe Ingemi the "Republican" Democrat? And so it goes -- more of the same.
Joe Ingemi supported McCain because he knew Obama was a clown. Look at what this idiot tax and spend liberal is shoving down the American people's throats. The largest deficits in history. Our children will be paying for years because of the Democrat liberal nonsense.
