Sea Isle City Swears in Three Council Members

Mary Tighe, a member of City Council ever since Sea Isle City changed its form of local government in 2007, was sworn in Tuesday to her fifth consecutive term and was joined by two political newcomers during the annual reorganization meeting.

Ian Ciseck and Mike Jargowsky, who also won in Sea Isle’s municipal election in May along with Tighe, were sworn into their first terms in office during the ceremony at City Hall.

Ciseck and Jargowsky replaced former Council members Jack Gibson and J.B. Feeley. Gibson chose not to seek re-election, while Feeley lost in the May race.

Councilmen William Kehner and Frank Edwardi Jr., who were not up for re-election this year, joined with the other members Tuesday to appoint Tighe as the governing body’s president for the next 12 months. The president conducts the meetings and also serves as Council’s chief spokesperson.

    City Council members include, from left, Frank Edwardi Jr., Ian Ciseck, Mary Tighe, William Kehner and Mike Jargowsky.
  

Tighe is one of the five original Council members who were elected when Sea Isle switched from a Commission-style form of government to the Mayor-Council format in 2007.

Her win in the May election locked up her fifth consecutive four-year term on Council. She also formerly served a two-year term under the previous form of government.

Tighe welcomed Ciseck and Jargowsky, saying that she is eager to work with them as well as continuing the collaboration between Council and Mayor Leonard Desiderio’s administration.

“I’ve been on Council for many years, as you know, and it has been a pleasure working with the Council members and with the administration,” Tighe told the audience. “The administration is very easy to work with. We don’t always agree, but at least they’re open to Council’s suggestions on different changes and different ideas.”

“I think Ian and Mike will be a positive addition to our group here and I look forward to working with them, and I look forward to hearing from the public,” Tighe added.

    Members of VFW Post 1963 and Boy Scout Troop 76 serve as color guard during the reorganization meeting.
  

After the Council members were sworn in, Desiderio congratulated Tighe, Ciseck and Jargowsky.

“It’s hard to believe that we’ve been under the Mayor-Council form of government for 18 years now,” Desiderio said. “I look forward to working with Ian, Mike, Mary and the incumbent Councilmen Frank Edwardi and Bill Kehner as we do the important work for the people of Sea Isle City.”

During his remarks, Ciseck expressed his gratitude to his friends and family members, especially his wife, Lauren.

“Your unwavering support and encouragement throughout the campaign meant the world to me and truly motivated me to take this step,” Ciseck told his wife, who was joined by the couple’s children, Andrew, 19, Lola, 12, and Charlie, 10.

    New Councilman Ian Ciseck is surrounded by his wife, Lauren, and children Andrew, Lola and Charlie while being sworn into office by Municipal Court Judge Vincent Morrison.
  

Ciseck, who is a local real estate broker, also thanked the Sea Isle voters.

“I’m also deeply grateful to the voters of Sea isle for placing their trust in me. You have inspired me with your fresh perspectives and innovative ideas and I’m eager to bring those ideas to life. Together, I believe we can build a stronger, more vibrant Sea Isle and I’m committed to working hand in hand with each of the Council members up here in the years ahead to achieve that vision.”

In his remarks, Jargowsky thanked his wife, Lori, and the rest of his family for their support during the campaign.

Noting that it was his first run for elected office, Jargowsky called himself a political neophyte who “didn’t have a clue” at first.

“She thought it was a great idea, and told me the positives and negatives and what I could expect. And she was right at every turn. Throughout the campaign she was there the entire time helping me,” he said of his wife.

    New Councilman Mike Jargowsky, hand raised, is sworn in by Mayor Leonard Desiderio. Jargowsky is joined by his wife, Lori, brother Paul Jargowsky and sister Patricia Repici.
  

Jargowsky, a retired Sea Isle police captain, noted that political office represents “a new chapter” in his life.

“I thought I was too old for a first day at work, but I guess I’m not,” he joked of joining Council as a newcomer.

Jargowsky also extended his thanks to the Sea Isle voters.

“I’d like to thank the people all throughout Sea Isle. I met many, many people walking around and campaigning. The support I got from everyone and all the help I got from people in this town was just remarkable. I thank you very, very much and I hope to do the best I can working for you guys,” he said.