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"I do solemnly swear..."

| 07 Jan 2016 | 02:42
    Photos by Linda Smith Hancharick Mayor Bettina Bieri took her third oath of office as mayor in the township. Township Clerk Antoinette Battaglia, right, administered the oath to her.
    Photos by Linda Smith Hancharick Mayor Bettina Bieri took her third oath of office as mayor in the township. Township Clerk Antoinette Battaglia, right, administered the oath to her.
    Afterwards, Battaglia congratulated the mayor.
    Afterwards, Battaglia congratulated the mayor.
    State Senator Joseph Pennacchio, right, swears in Councilman Mike Hensley. This is Hensley's second term in office.
    State Senator Joseph Pennacchio, right, swears in Councilman Mike Hensley. This is Hensley's second term in office.
    Pennacchio congratulates Hensley.
    Pennacchio congratulates Hensley.
    Newly minted Councilman Tim Wagner, center, is joined by his wife, Daina, as state Senator Joseph Pennacchio gives the oath of office to him. Wagner is new to the township council.
    Newly minted Councilman Tim Wagner, center, is joined by his wife, Daina, as state Senator Joseph Pennacchio gives the oath of office to him. Wagner is new to the township council.

WEST MILFORD — Bettina Bieri began her third term as mayor Wednesday night, taking her oath of office at the start of the township's first meeting of the new year. Township Clerk Antoinette Battaglia administered the oath of office to Bieri, only minutes before Battaglia was approved as the new township administrator.

Councilman Mike Hensley who won reelection in November, took his oath for the second time. State Senator Joseph Pennacchio administered the oath to Hensley.

There is a new face on the council in 2016. Tim Wagner won his bid for the council seat in the fall. His wife, Daina Wagner, held the Bible as Pennacchio administered the oath to him.

Councilwoman Michele Dale was selected as council president immediately after the oaths were given. Dale begins the final year of her three-year term on the council and has said she will seek reelection.

The entire council is made up of Republicans, although there is a clear 4-2 split amongst them. Councilwomen Ada Erik and Marilyn Lichtenberg are in the minority of most votes, if Wednesday is any indication. Councilman Lou Signorino, Hensley, Wagner and Dale are the majority on the council.

Bieri is the sole Democrat on the governing body.