FRED HENRY WILL NOT SEEK A FIFTH TERM AS MAYOR OF SOUTH AMBOY

SOUTH AMBOY, NJ – After decades of public service, South Amboy Mayor Fred Henry has issued the following statement announcing his decision not to seek another term:

“As many of you know, this year is an election year in South Amboy, with the offices of Mayor and two Council-at-Large seats on the ballot.

“It has been the great honor of my life to serve the people of South Amboy – first for 18 years as a councilman and the past 16 years as Mayor. Throughout my time in office, every decision was made with your help and was guided by what was in the best interest of the community. When I took the oath to faithfully, impartially, and justly perform the duties of Mayor, I took that responsibility seriously and did my very best to uphold it each day. With your help we have made South Amboy a great place to live and raise a family.

“I am deeply grateful to the many dedicated public servants, employees, and community partners who worked alongside me over the years. No one accomplishes anything alone, and I have been fortunate to be surrounded by talented and committed people throughout my tenure.

“After much reflection, I have decided that I will not seek another term as Mayor of South Amboy. This decision is not related to my health or the upcoming election. After decades of public service, I believe the time is right to pass the baton and support the next chapter of South Amboy’s progress.

“I want to thank the voters of South Amboy for placing their trust in me for 34 years. It has been my privilege to serve you and this community, and to help advance projects that benefit our families today and in the future. Together, we have invested in public safety and infrastructure, including new state-of-the-art athletic fields, a new ambulance for our First Aid Squad, new fire trucks, appointed the town’s first female Police Chief, provided our local police department with new police equipment, hired new police officers increasing the size of the police department, and expanded parking along Broadway. We successfully launched a ferry service, revitalized long-neglected and contaminated properties, and transformed them into productive ratables – all without burdening taxpayers with the high cost of remediation.

“One project that holds special meaning for me is the Veterans’ Memorial Plaza on Bordentown Ave. When the property was donated to the City, I felt strongly that it should be dedicated to the Veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

“I want to thank the Council members I served with. It is through cooperation with them that so much was able to be achieved during my tenure. Their hard work helped make possible the accomplishments in South Amboy during my tenure.

“I am also proud that my administration delivered a budget that reduced municipal taxes while producing a surplus of more than $6 million, leaving South Amboy in a strong and stable financial position.

“Finally, I want to thank my wife, Linda (Mrs. Mayor!), and my family for their unwavering support over the years. Without them, none of this would have been possible.

“As a proud son of South Amboy who followed in the footsteps of my father serving this City, it has been a great run. Thank you for the trust you placed in me, and may God bless all of you.”

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