A crowd gathered on New Year’s Day at the EnVision Center in Phillipsburg to witness the swearing-in of five town council members.

Lee Clark, Keith Kennedy, and Ed Saultz each took the oath of office for their second terms, while Joshua Wanisko and Bernie Fey were sworn-in to serve their first terms on council. Clark, Kennedy, Wanisko and Fey are Democrats; Saultz is a Republican.

Lt. Gov.-elect Dale Caldwell administered the oaths alongside Town Attorney Richard Wenner.

Caldwell in October 2023 became the first Black president of Centenary University in Hackettstown. He ran with Democratic Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill on New Jersey’s 2025 victorious gubernatorial ticket. Caldwell is stepping down from Centenary upon his inauguration set for Jan. 20 in Newark. Incoming Centenary President John R. Schol served as bishop of the United Methodists in Greater New Jersey for more than a decade before retiring in 2024.

Caldwell told the crowded room that public service is one of the most important duties a civilian can provide their community, though it’s not always easy. He thanked the residents and council members for their support.

Kennedy was selected to serve as council president in 2026. He was first elected in 2021. Kennedy, 68, was born in Phillipsburg and grew up on Bennet Street. He lived also in Washington Township for more than 20 years. He retired from the Warren County Department of Corrections after 36 years, in 2019.

Clark was also selected to be vice president and to join a statewide municipal accountability task force established by the governor’s office. He told attendees he’s been overwhelmed by the support and trust he’s received.

Reflecting on his tenure, Clark reminded the public he was 27 years old when he first joined the council in 2019. “I have every confidence that the elected officials beside me have our town’s best interest at heart … . We may not always agree on the way, but we agree on the destination,” he said.

Fey, one of the newly sworn council members, expressed optimism about his new role. “I look forward to working alongside my fellow council members and representing the people of Phillipsburg,” he said.

Town council is scheduled to meet again at 6 p.m. on Jan. 13 inside the EnVision Center, located at 535 Fisher Ave.