Bunyon assumes seat on Matawan council Lost election bid; named to seat vacated by Mullaney BY LORI ANNE OLIWA Correspondent The last meeting of the year for the Matawan Borough Council was a changing of the guard. Democratic appointee Robert Bunyon was sworn in to office at the Dec. 18 meeting, and before the night was over, the council had to bid farewell to Councilwoman Debra Buragina. Robert Bunyon Buragina served on the governing body for seven years but was unsuccessful during November's general election. "It has been an honor to represent the town I grew up in. I would like to thank the residents for this opportunity," she said. Bunyon had also run unsuccessfully in the November election, but was appointed to fill the seat vacated by Meghan Mullaney during the council's special meeting on Dec. 13. Mullaney cited a change of residence to Aberdeen as the reason for her resignation. Since Bunyon was appointed to an unexpired term, he will have to run for council again in November 2008. Council President Malley expressed satisfaction with Bunyon's appointment. "The reason I went with him is because he is so willing to serve, and that speaks volumes about his dedication. I am very happy. Mr. Bunyon is a very bright man with a good head on his shoulders," Malley said. The vote was 3-1 in favor of Bunyon's appointment. Councilman Joseph "Bud" Mullaney nominated Bunyon, and Malley seconded the motion. Councilman Michael Cannon was the third affirmative vote. Councilman Paul Buccellato, a Republican, was the only dissenting vote. In an e-mail, Buccellato cited several reasons for his vote andmentioned a lack of information about Bunyon in addition to concerns about his overall availability and commitment. "My reason for voting against the appointment was that no information on Mr. Bunyon or the other candidates was submitted prior to the meeting. As a matter of fact, I contacted the clerk to have the information faxed or forwarded for review prior to the meeting," Buccellato stated. He also alluded to the 2006 election when Bunyon ran for council. "In 2006,Mr. Bunyon was a council candidate but withdrew his name at the end of August. At the time he cited personal reasons as well as time constraints," Buccellato added. During an interview, Malley countered Buccellato's comments. "All three candidates for the appointment have been volunteers in the borough and were well-known prior to the vote," Malley said. Commenting on his first foray into politics, Bunyon, a 20-year Matawan resident and volunteer, was optimistic and enthusiastic. "After knocking on about 1,800 doors during the election, I have a good idea of what the residentswant and need, and I am very confident that I can do the right things," he said. Bunyon mentioned several issues that he feels are crucial to the borough and which merit the undivided attention of the council. "I am motivated to get the downtown up and running, as it is starting to come along. Also, the redevelopment of the train station propertywill take a lot of team effort. This piece of property could be a big factor in lowering taxes," he added. Bunyon also stated he was very moved by the senior population in town and their plight. "They are on fixed incomes," he said, "and I understand that could be me in 20 years. We must always control spending. I want Matawan to be a place that people want to come to, a place forme andmy family to live." For him and many others to remain in town, Bunyon thinks something major has to be done about taxes. "I think we are paying far too much for what we are getting. I consider myself an average, ordinary citizen and want tomake sure all of Matawan's citizens are represented without regard to the politics," he said. The council's reorganization meeting is scheduled for noon on Jan. 1 at the MatawanMunicipal Community Center on Broad Street. Two newmembers of the governing body will be sworn in during the ceremony- Linda Clifton and KevinMendes.