Belleville Swears in New Deputy Mayor and Municipal Judge

With no newly elected officials to swear in, Monday’s annual Belleville council reorganization meeting was a reserved affair in comparison with the previous year, which featured a brief appearance from Newark Mayor Cory Booker and Assemblyman Ralph Caputo. 

Karen Smith took the oath of office to become Magistrate of Belleville’s Municipal court, replacing outgoing judge Frank Zinna, who resigned in May after serving on the bench for 27 years.

Smith is no stranger to Belleville court, having served previously as Belleville’s alternate judge. She has deep roots in Belleville beside the court. Her father was a longtime Belleville firefighter and her brother is a retired Belleville police officer.

Smith thanked officials for their trust and support.

 Councilman-at-large Michael Nicosia was sworn in as Deputy Mayor, replacing Third Ward Councilman Vincent Cozzarelli, who served as Deputy Mayor in 2012.

In addition, Thomas Murphy was reappointed Township Attorney and Joseph Angelo was reappointed as Assistant Township Attorney and prosecutor. John Cerza was reappointed as assistant prosecutor. Public Defender Hilary Brunell and Assistant Public Defender James Cundari were also reappointed.

Judge Smith swore in the attorneys.