Montgomery Selects a Mayor, a Deputy, and Swears in Newly Elected Committee Members During a Festive Meeting

By Barbara A. Preston | Posted Jan. 8, 2026

The Boy Scout presentation of colors, a salute to the American flag, a reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance, and a prayer by a Methodist pastor began the Montgomery Township Committee reorganization meeting on Jan. 7 at town hall. Two newly elected committee members, Vince Barragan and Mike Martin, were sworn into office by Sen. Andrew Zwicker (D16), followed by the re-selection of Neena Singh to serve as mayor (her third year to hold the office) and Vince Barragan as deputy mayor.

Troop 850 Color Guard, by Angela Sgro

Above: Troop 850 Boy Scout presents colors, Sen. Andrew Zwicker swears in Neena Singh as mayor, Lt. Gov. Dr. Dale Caldwell swears in Vince Barragan as deputy mayor.

Mayor Singh gave an acceptance speech to a crowded room, inviting every Montgomery resident to get involved in the community.

"Volunteer with the EMS or one of our two fire companies, participate in township meetings or our volunteer-led committees," she said. "You're involvement strengthens Montgomery and your voice shapes our future.

"Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reminded us that volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in. Let us carry that spirit forward."

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The main points from Mayor Singh's speech are:

• Community Spirit and Compassion: Montgomery is a family. She highlighted the community's swift response to the federal goverment's halt of SNAP benefits. "This year, when SNAP benefits were abruptly halted, Montgomery did what it always does. We showed up. Community organizations mobilized, neighbors donated generously, and supplies poured in until our pantry, conference rooms, and offices overflowed. That is who we are. Community rooted in compassion, collaboration, and action."

• Health and Wellness: Initiatives included various health fairs, clinics, physical activities (yoga, renovated cricket field), and an intergenerational playground, earning Montgomery the "Healthy Town" designation.

  
  

• Public Safety: Efforts included the "ARRIVE Together" initiative, (The police department's Alternative Responses to Reduce Instances of Violence and Escalation (ARRIVE) partners a community-based mental health counselor or screener with a plainclothes police officer in an unmarked car during certain mental or behavioral health calls.) She also cited community forums, pedestrian safety, and the largest-ever donation by the township to EMS in 2025 ($184,000).

  
  

• Investment in Youth: A Youth Leadership Council provided hands-on civic experience.

  
  

• Fiscal Responsibility: High-quality municipal services were delivered while keeping property tax increases below the rate of inflation, expanding shared services, and securing over $4 million in grants in 2025 (including over $2 million in FA funds for sewer plans).

  
  

• Community Engagement and Housing: A path was realized to limit new construction by extending affordability controls on existing housing to meet affordable housing obligations. The Township Committee values and acts on community feedback.

  
  

• 2026 Priorities (Mayor): Transportation and traffic congestion relief, expanding transit options, pursuing state grants, and improving key corridors through the "complete street framework" to enhance safety and walkability.

  
  

• Township Committee Member Focuses:

  • Deputy Mayor Barrigan: Property tax reassessment and coordinating America's 250th-anniversary celebration.

  • Committeewoman Patricia Taylor Todd: Guiding the future use of the former municipal building (perhaps a YMCA) and establishing a new community engagement committee.

  • Committeeman Dennis Ahn: Coordinating the food security preparedness committee and exploring expanded sports and community space.

  • Committeeman Martin: Streamlining township processes, improving efficiency, and updating permit systems.

Above: Sen. Andrew Zwicker swears in newly elected committeeman Mike Martin, Committeeman Dennis Ahn with former Montgomery Deputy Mayor Shelly L. Bell, and NJ Lt. Gov.-elect Dale Caldwell.

Deputy Mayor Barragan said, during his acceptance speech: "The most important thing is for us to lead, and to make the best decisions that support all of our residents. Now, more than ever, we need to continue our focus to support those who are most vulnerable, and those more in need of our local government's aid."

Due to technical issues, the live stream coverage of the ceremony did not work, and the online recording of the Jan. 7 meeting begins mid meeting.