TOMS RIVER, NJ — During Tuesday evening’s reorganization session at Toms River’s first council meeting of the year, Lavallette Police Sergeant Justin Lamb was sworn in as council president, succeeding Craig Coleman, who will now serve as council vice president. Lamb, who is married to Toms River School Board member Ashley Lamb, resides in Toms River. Lamb is also a licensed and practicing lawyer in New Jersey.
Mayor Dan Rodrick praised both leaders for their dedication to the township, highlighting their commitment to addressing overdevelopment and maintaining fiscal responsibility.
Council President Lamb thanked Coleman for his leadership over the past year, acknowledging the challenges Coleman faced from council members aligned with former Mayor Maurice Hill. These members frequently opposed Mayor Dan Rodrick’s agenda, which included blocking a 10-story downtown tower project, resisting waterfront development near Huddy Park, prioritizing public safety, and addressing overdevelopment.
Coleman’s tenure as council president was marked by meeting disruptions, often caused by a small group of Hill supporters. The council majority criticized these individuals as political disruptors lacking a clear vision for the township.
“I thank Councilman Craig Coleman for his stewardship as president this past year. Craig, you’re a class act, and you remained above the fray during a year of transitional success,” Lamb said, referencing the opposition Coleman encountered during his tenure. “This majority on this council is not backing down. We made promises to the taxpayers, and we will honor them. Our record reflects this: we stood firm against the big-city downtown plan, secured the Boatworks property to link it with Huddy Park and protect the riverfront from future development, eliminated wasteful spending in town hall and on capital projects, and prioritized public safety by hiring EMT-certified community service officers. These efforts have reduced response times and increased coverage on the Barrier Island.”
Lamb emphasized that these accomplishments were achieved without raising municipal taxes.
Mayor Rodrick also commended Coleman’s tenure, noting his work to improve EMS response times, ensure fiscal accountability, and resist overdevelopment. “Craig is a true leader who stared into the storm,” Rodrick said, lauding Coleman’s resilience in the face of opposition. “His courage, tenacity, and commitment have inspired council members and given hope to the citizens we serve.”
Rodrick reflected on the demands of the council presidency, emphasizing the council’s tradition of rotating the role. He expressed confidence that Coleman’s experience would continue to benefit the township in his new position as vice president.
“Serving as council president is no small endeavor, especially during turbulent times,” Rodrick said. “Craig carried this responsibility with grace and dedication, exemplifying the best qualities of a public servant. His leadership balanced challenges while always keeping our community’s best interests at heart.”
Looking ahead, Rodrick expressed optimism for Lamb’s leadership as council president. The mayor recalled their collaboration dating back to 2019, when Lamb joined his ticket to advocate for government accountability and oppose overdevelopment.
“Justin has a keen understanding of our mission and a passion for serving our community,” Rodrick said. “His focus on holding the line on taxes will serve our residents well in this new leadership position.”
Reflecting on his tenure, Coleman thanked Rodrick and the council, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives. “Last year was my first as council president, and it was particularly challenging at times,” Coleman said. “I want to thank those who spoke out with their opinions. We all have the right to think and act differently, and everyone exercised that right in good faith.”