Dr. Richard J. Scott thanked members of the Little Silver Borough Council on Monday night for their confidence in appointing him to fill the seat left vacant by the recent death of Councilman Jonathan Bitman.

"This is clearly not the happiest of circumstances," said Mayor Robert Neff, Jr.

Scott was sworn in at the Sept. 24 meeting to serve as a temporary council member until a successor is elected in November and "duly certified," according to Borough Attorney John O. Bennett III. The winning candidate will immediately join the council, rather than waiting until January.

The long-time resident has previously served as a member of the borough's planning board.

"I don't think anyone can replace him," said Scott of Bitman. "The best we can do is honor him with our service."