Ray Coles will once again be voted in as the mayor of Lakewood for the 2024 year, and Menashe Miller as Deputy Mayor, TLS has exclusively learned.

The final decision was made moments ago following a polling between Township officials.

This will be the eighth consecutive term for Ray Coles in the position of Mayor, and the 12th overall.

“The fact that Ray Coles has been re-elected and again chosen to be our leader as Mayor this year, is indicative of his leadership qualities and good record of performance,” Deputy Mayor Menashe Miller – who will also be serving for his eighth year as Deputy Mayor – told TLS.

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. This will be his 12th term as Mayor – more than half of his 22-year service to the Town. In November, Coles easily won re-election to another three-year term.

“Serving the residents of Lakewood for the past 22 years, as both committeeman and mayor has been one of the highest honors of my life I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the town I love and look forward to continuing the work ahead of us,” Coles told TLS. “I am also fortunate to serve with such an incredible township committee.”

Coles had the following words to share about his fellow committeemen.

“Deputy Mayor Miller is a force of nature. I am always in awe of his work ethic and dedication to the people of Lakewood. Committeeman Meir Lichtenstein has become one of my closest friends. His commitment to the well-being of our residents is unparalleled. His knowledge of our Emergency Management Department and his excellent relationship with the police department keeps our residents safe every day.

“Committeeman Akerman is always assisting folks with any issues they have. Whenever someone calls with an issue regarding inspections or engineering, I know I can depend on him to get the situation resolved.”

Coles also welcomed the new Committeewoman, Debby Fuentes.

“I am looking forward to working with Committeewoman-elect Debby Fuentes. I have had the opportunity to speak with her several times recently and I know she is excited to get started.”

Departing Committeeman Mike Delia will be missed, says Coles.

“The entire township will miss Mike Delia’s steady hand. He dedicated his entire adult life to our town and we all owe him a tremendous amount of gratitude.”

Coles added, “Finally, I have to recognize our township employees. We are blessed to have such an amazing group of individuals who work together to make sure the town functions and our residents are safe and secure in their home.”

The actual vote for the Mayorship, Deputy Mayor and new Committeewoman will take place during the Reorganization Meeting.

The Lakewood Township will once again be holding its reorganization virtually.