It's official: Watson joins Millville commission, special election term good for 3 years

MILLVILLE — The City Commission lineup for the next three years is firmed up after a special swearing-in ceremony for a replacement member, special election winner Stephen E. Watson Jr.

Watson took his oath of office early Tuesday ahead of the commission meetings Tuesday night. He redid the oath in ceremonial fashion at the start of the governing body's regular session, following the certification of vote results from Nov. 8.

Watson, who is a newcomer to politics, took the oath with his wife beside him, their two children in front row seats with relatives and friends, and a Bible brought for the occasion.

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"I just want to say thank you to the family and friends for all their support in my whole life," Watson said at the close of the meeting. "I’m really lucky to have them. Thank you for all my new supporters. Thank you for everybody who had the time to talk to me. … I encourage all the residents of Millville to come out and express their concerns, talk to us. You know, there’s five of us up here."

Watson succeeds Commissioner Robert W. McQuade, who was appointed for one year in January. The appointment was conditioned on standing for election in November in order to serve the full, four-year term.

"Commissioner Watson, I look forward to working next to you the next three years," Mayor Lisa Orndorf said. "And congratulations and welcome to your family."

McQuade was not present, but said his farewells at the Nov. 22 meeting and that he may run for the Board of Education. Watson and McQuade were the only candidates in the special election.

Final, certified election results from the Cumberland County Clerk's Office give Watson 2,946 votes, or 54.95 percent of those cast, and McQuade 2,397, votes, or 44.71 percent.

Watson's margin of 549 votes was out of 5,361 votes cast in the city's 18 voter districts. Officials results also show write-on votes for 15 individuals, generally 1 vote for each.

McQuade was appointed by the other four commissioners as a replacement for Commissioner-elect James Quinn, after Quinn decided not to join the governing body.

Quinn had finished fourth in the five-seat, November 2021 election, while McQuade finished in sixth place. McQuade had to resign his school board seat to accept the appointment.

Watson is assistant superintendent of the Landis Sewerage Authority in Vineland, and previously he worked at the Millville sewer utility. He also was a part-time special police officer in Millville, coincidentally working alongside McQuade in that capacity.

The Nov. 8 ballot also had a special question that asked for "yes" or "no" votes to a commission move to dissolve the Zoning Board and merge its powers into the Planning Board.

The measure was defeated. Final results show it received only 2,183 "yes" votes to 3,139 "no" votes, or 41.02 percent to 58.98 percent. Total votes cast were 5,322.

Joe Smith is a N.E. Philly native transplanted to South Jersey more than 30 years ago, keeping an eye now on government in South Jersey. He is a former editor and current senior staff writer for The Daily Journal in Vineland, Courier-Post in Cherry Hill, and the Burlington County Times.

Have a tip? Reach out at jsmith@thedailyjournal.com. Help support local journalism with a subscription.

This article originally appeared on Vineland Daily Journal: Special election winner Stephen Watson joins Millville City Commission