Longtime Verona councilmembers say goodbye

Two Verona councilmembers with nearly 25 years of experience between them said farewell during their last session on the governing body on Monday, June 19.

Jay Sniatkowski and Bob Manley did not seek another term in the most recent election. During Monday's meeting, they thanked the community. Each of them received a gift bag from their colleagues on the Township Council and a standing ovation from the audience after their goodbye speeches.

Sniatkwoski joined the council 16 years ago. Before his first meeting, a co-worker advised him not to wear a tie, as the public came to know him as someone who never did. Since then, he never wore a tie as a councilmember, Sniatkowski reminisced. 

“I love this town and I will always be grateful that I was chosen to represent you, and it’s not a responsibility I ever took lightly,” he said. “I only ask that you stay invested, be active and involved, and keep the town officials and the governing body on their toes, as you have been, while maintaining respectful dialogue and appreciating their commitment.”

Sniatkowski recalled many highlights through his 16 years on the governing body, including increasing the amount of recreational space and fighting development at Kip’s Castle. During his time as mayor, Verona also reached the No. 3 spot on New Jersey Monthly Magazine's best towns in the state, according to Sniatkowski. 

“Councils don’t make a great community. The residents do,” he said, “and we truly have the best residents around. This is my last chance to show them my gratitude.”

Manley also cited Sniatkowski as one of his reasons for joining the Township Council. The two met around 25 years ago while playing basketball, and Manley described his colleague as a mentor.

“Jay has been a true statesman to this community,” Manley said.

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Manley joined the council eight years ago and said he never expected to do anything like it before he decided to run for office. 

“These past eight years serving as a councilmember, as mayor and deputy mayor, have been a true privilege and honor of my life,” he said.

It was an honor to be on the council, noted Manley, who said he tried to serve with integrity and good character.

“There are so, so many people that I have relied upon and used as a resource,” he said, “and helped me that I don’t know if I can take credit for anything at all.”

Jack McEvoy and Ted Giblin will replace Sniatkowski and Manley on the council, while joining Kevin Ryan, Michael Nochimson and Alex Roman on the governing body. 

Email: jongsma@northjersey.com