Christopher Paglia is Oceanport's Newest Councilman

By Christopher Sheldon

The hole on the Oceanport Council left by the resignation of William Johnson has been filled by Christopher Paglia.

"I have tremendous respect for the people on council and Mayor (Michael) Mahon," Paglia said. "This is a humbling honor, because this is such a wonderful town."

Paglia was chosen among three nominees by the Oceanport Republican Municipal Committee, following the resignation of Johnson, because of a county job he took that no longer allows him to serve the borough. The other candidates were John A. Patti and Patricia Cooper.

"This was a tough three choices, we have three great candidates here," Councilman Joseph Irace said. "You can't go wrong with any of the three of them."

Paglia said he is ready to be a "voice for the community and the people."

He has coached several borough sports teams and has also served as the vice president of the Oceanport Sports Foundation.

Paglia will sit in Johnson's seat until the end of 2014, but a new candidate will have to run in next year's election to fill out the remainder of the term which expires on Dec. 31, 2016.