Normally, at the end of Robbinsville’s four-year election cycle, I would use this space to thank our residents and business owners for their support for allowing me the privilege of sitting in the mayor’s chair for another term.
This year, on the heels of my pending retirement from government and Mike’s Todd’s unopposed victory to be your new Mayor beginning on Jan. 15, 2026, I humbly defer my time and space to a great guy, an even harder worker and a diligent advocate for the people of this amazing town.
“I’d like to sincerely thank the Robbinsville community for this incredible opportunity,” Mayor-elect Todd said. “We are lucky to live in such a wonderful town — one of the most sought-after places in the state to live, work and play.
“Building on the strong foundation established by Mayor Fried, I’m excited to introduce fresh ideas and innovations for Robbinsville. My goal as mayor is to stay committed to guiding us toward even greater achievements. I love our town and our residents, and I’m proud to have raised my family here.
“Our impressive team, including the Council, administration, and every Township employee, works hard for Robbinsville. At the end of the day, along with all residents, we are one big family who should support each other through both the highs and lows.”
To fill Mr. Todd’s soon-to-be-vacated Council seat, the governing body will be tasked to make an interim appointment until the next municipal election. Council will take an official vote at a public meeting on the candidate of their choice.
Should there be a tie, Mike Todd would break that tie. The newly appointed Council person would be seated as soon as they take the oath of office. The appointee’s term will end upon the certification of the November 3, 2026 election results and until a newly elected Council member can be sworn in.
I’d also like to congratulate Debbie Blakely and Hal English once again on their re-election to Council, as well as the three incumbent school board members — Peter Oehlberg, Raghu Nandan and Jeffrey Pierro — on their victories Nov. 4.
While certainly difficult to top, more than our incredible Pay it Forward event Oct. 14 benefitting the Papp/Walls family, Election Day 2025 was the moment it really hit home that I will no longer be serving as mayor of Robbinsville.
The opportunity to both serve and raise a family in what I consider the best, most kind-hearted town in New Jersey has been a privilege and the greatest honor of my life. (More on that in next month’s issue).
I’m very proud of my record and all we accomplished — together. As I said in my State of the Township address, every park we opened, every road we paved, every life we touched was the product of teamwork, compassion, and a shared belief that government can and should make a difference.
Thank you, Robbinsville!
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Robbinsville Township Council approved Resolution 2025-261 to enter a shared services agreement with the Borough of Hightstown for the provision of dispatch services anticipated to begin on May 16, 2026.
Robbinsville will serve as the primary provider of 24/7 emergency dispatch operations for Hightstown beginning on or about May 16, 2026. The initial agreement runs through Dec. 31, 2034, with the option for two additional five-year extensions.
Robbinsville will hire two additional full-time communications officers to support the increase of call volume. The employees will become part of Robbinsville’s workforce, with Hightstown reimbursing the Township for all associated salary, benefits, and employment costs.
Interested candidates can apply at robbinsvillepd.org.
The groundbreaking shared services agreement between Robbinsville and the Borough of Hightstown for the new municipal building at 2300 Route 33 includes shared expenses of approximately 68% for Robbinsville and 32% for Hightstown. Robbinsville Township also has operated the Hightstown municipal court since 2019.
Dave Fried is the mayor of Robbinsville Township.