Ray Coles is expected to be voted in as the mayor of Lakewood for his sixth consecutive term in the position, TLS has exclusively learned.
The expected appointment is an extraordinary statement of his performance on the job, especially considering the fact that the Lakewood Township Committee has a Republican majority.
Menashe Miller is expected to be named Deputy Mayor for another term as well.
Ray Coles, a democrat, joined the Township Committee in 2001, and in 2002 was voted in as Mayor. Since then, Coles served as Mayor in 2004, 2007, and 2008. If appointed, this will be his 10th term as Mayor – half of his 20-year service to the Town.
The vote has not officially taken place yet, but Coles told TLS that he is humbled and looking forward to serving another term.
“If asked, I would be very happy to remain as Mayor,” Coles told TLS. “I truly enjoy working for the people of Lakewood, and look forward to continuing doing that.”
The five-person Township Committee is comprised of three republicans and two democrats.
Deputy Menashe Miller and Meir Lichtenstien were just reelected, and will be sworn in during the Township’s annual Reorganization meeting, usually held the first week of January.
Mazal Tov Ray. Well deserved!
Mr. Coles is loved by the community. He is a Mentch, and always there for the people. Please also keep up your amazing ask the mayor column. I love how you get things done. People always feel they can reach out with issues. It’s probably one of the best scoop columns ever. I’m sure it’s not easy juggling it all but you do a great job.
A fan.
It’s not fair to the community not to allow someone else to try and fix the problems in town. I’m sure Mr. Coles is a wonderful man but we are suffering with major quality of life issues that have only been exasperated under Mr Coles well meaning leadership. These positions are not intended to be life long appointments.
very nice
well deserved!
Ray is a great mayor!