By KEITH HEUMILLER

Staff Writer

Red Bank Councilwoman Cindy Burnham (far right) is sworn into office by state Sen. Jennifer Beck (second from right) at Borough Hall on Jan. 1 as Burnhams daughters (right to left) Emily, Samantha and Kate Thomas, who is not pictured look on. KEITH HEUMILLER/STAFF Despite a long history of disagreement between the Borough Council and its newest member, Red Bank officials say the governing body will continue to function as normal in 2014.

After being sworn into office during the boroughs reorganization meeting on Jan. 1, longtime activist and first-time Councilwoman Cindy Burnham said her past squabbles with her new colleagues will not be a factor going forward.

Ive known these people for 25 years, said Burnham, the first Republican to sit on the council since 2007. They are basically all fine people. We just disagree on certain things. We have different priorities, and I think thats why it was time to get somebody like myself on the council.

Mayor Pasquale Menna, a 26-year veteran of the council, cited a long history with Burnham, saying she had assisted in one of his first campaigns for public office.

She has been extraordinarily dedicated to a number of issues, he said. We look forward to working with her and carving out constructive solutions, ideas and a road map for a lot of our common issues that we all have.

Menna said he does not foresee any Herculean problems on the council this year, pointing to Red Banks history of bipartisanship as proof that differing opinions dont necessarily preclude effective leadership.

The overflow crowd gathered for the Jan. 1 meeting included two of Red Banks more prominent Republican alumni: Monmouth County Freeholder John Curley and state Sen. Jennifer Beck (R-11), who administered the oath of office to Burnham.

Other dignitaries included U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone (D-6), retired Superior Court Judge John DAmico and state Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande (R-11). Addressing the crowd, Menna vowed to pursue a number of new projects and initiatives in 2013, including a joint effort with Count Basie Theatre personnel to establish a Mayors Arts Commission and promote public art projects throughout town.

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Red Bank council promises cooperation