Michael Viola sworn in as Colts Neck mayor; deputy mayor Daniel Bezzetta and new committeeperson take oaths

Michael Viola took the oath of office Jan. 2 and was confirmed by roll call as mayor of Colts Neck for 2026. During opening remarks and the swearing ceremony at Colts Neck Town Hall, Viola said he was honored to serve and thanked staff, volunteers and visiting county and military officials.

"You've all been noticed. You've all been recognized," Viola said after taking the oath, and later thanked Naval Weapons Station Earl and local volunteers for their service. The new mayor said the township will continue efforts to balance fiscal responsibility with services and infrastructure.

Daniel Bezzetta was nominated and confirmed as deputy mayor and delivered a short address emphasizing municipal property taxes and opposing high‑density overdevelopment. "I pledge that I will do everything in my power to keep our municipal tax rate as low as possible," Bezzetta said, adding he would push to prevent unsuitable high‑density projects.

The meeting also recognized newly certified committee membership following county canvass results, and the mayor outlined liaison assignments to boards and commissions for 2026, including planning, recreation, environmental and farmland and open‑space committees. Mayor Viola announced the next township committee meeting will be Jan. 14, when the committee expects to offer a police appointment and receive a brief update from the police chief.

The reorganization meeting included ceremonial elements — an invocation and benediction — and public acknowledgement of first responders and visiting dignitaries.