Aberdeen reorganizes government for 2006 Gumbs the first black woman chosen to serve as twp.’s deputy mayor BY TOM CAIAZZA Staff Writer Wilhelmina Gumbs ABERDEEN — Committeewoman Wilhelmina Gumbs has become the first African American woman to hold the post of deputy mayor in Aberdeen history. Gumbs was appointed and sworn in alongside fellow committee members Thomas Perry and Joseph Raymond, as well as Mayor David Sobel at Aberdeen’s annual reorganization meeting Jan. 3. Gumbs, who has spent two years on the committee, vowed to remain dedicated and determined to fulfill her duties as deputy. “I intend to work very hard and be dedicated to Aberdeen,” Gumbs said before quipping, “And if the mayor wants to go on vacation, I look forward to stepping in for him.” Gumbs re-ceived the full support of the committee with a unanimous vote. “It’s such a pleasure,” Gumbs said. “I plan on being here at least twice a week working with Mr. [Stuart] Brown and the mayor.” Sobel spoke of Gumbs’ capabilities and gave her his full support. “She’s been an activist in the community in the most positive way,” Sobel said. “She feels deeply about the community and has a lot of energy. She will do a great job for the township.” Brown officially took the reins as township manager, replacing the retired Mark Coren, whose tenure ended Jan. 1. Brown, 42, has been serving as a consultant for the town since October and has filled the role of manager during that time. A resident of Union County, Brown was the former administrator for Summit and has 17 years of municipal administration experience in local government. Mayor Sobel said that this is a very important time in Aberdeen history. The township will reach its 150th anniversary next year, has a new town manager, a new deputy mayor, and is looking forward to a better relationship with the Matawan Borough Council. “We will seize opportunities for matters there,” Sobel said. “We will focus on accomplishments in the near term as well as accomplishments in the long term.” Mayor Sobel was referring to the future of the Aberdeen-Matawan train station redevelopment, which has been stalled in recent months because of differences in their preferred developers and plans. The Matawan Democrats swept November’s election and took control of the council, a move that some expect to help propel the joint undertaking forward.