Brooks Elected City Council President At Reorganization Meeting That Turns Tense
Rahway’s annual reorganization installed new council leadership, featured oaths of office and mayoral remarks, and ended with pointed public criticism over transparency and public notice.
Jeffrey Brooks (left) and Jeremy Mojica (right) were elected council president and vice president during Rahway’s reorganization meeting.
January 6, 2026
The Rahway City Council reorganized its leadership Monday night, unanimously voting to elevate Jeffrey Brooks to council president and Jeremy Mojica to vice president, before the largely ceremonial meeting gave way to sharp public criticism during public comments.
The reorganization meeting marked the formal start of the council’s 2026 term and included oaths of office, leadership appointments, mayoral remarks, and public comment.
Following roll call, council members unanimously selected Brooks as council president for the coming year. Moments later, the council voted unanimously to appoint Mojica as vice president.
After being sworn in, Brooks thanked his colleagues and emphasized that he views the role as a responsibility rather than a title.
“This is an important year for our city, and I’m committed to leading the council with collaboration, respect, and a focus on results,” Brooks said. “I see it as a responsibility, not a title that I take for granted.”
Brooks also recognized outgoing Council President Joseph Gibilisco, presenting him with a ceremonial gavel and praising his service to the city.
Mojica congratulated Brooks and thanked his fellow council members, saying, “I expect great things. I know you’re going to do us proud.”
Earlier in the meeting, Mayor Raymond Giacobbe administered the oath of office to re-elected council members and welcomed the newly reorganized governing body.
In his remarks, Giacobbe congratulated the new council leadership and thanked residents for their continued engagement with the city government.
“These positions carry significant responsibility, and I am confident that you both will serve with integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to collaboration,” the mayor said.
Giacobbe also referenced recent administrative changes and invited residents to attend his upcoming State of the City address at the Union County Performing Arts Center.
The tone of the meeting shifted during public comment, when several residents criticized the city’s handling of last month’s special meeting and raised broader concerns about transparency and public notice.
During the late-December special meeting, first reported by The Central Jerseyan, the council approved a contract to remove 16 large street trees. That meeting, held during the holiday season, has since drawn scrutiny from residents and advocacy groups.
Resident Lisa Vandever urged the council to improve communication with the public.
“More accountability and transparency would be appreciated,” she said.
Other residents echoed concerns about the timing of special meetings.
“It really broke my trust,” said Amy Garcia Phillips, who urged council members to consider how the timing of meetings affects public confidence.
Alan Levy delivered a lengthy statement alleging retaliation over a lawsuit concerning a private Facebook group. He criticized the city’s legal representation, Rainone Coughlin Minchello, LLC.
Before adjournment, attorney David Minchello, a partner at the law firm, addressed the public comments directly, responding at length to questions about compliance with New Jersey’s Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA).
Minchello said that OPMA does not prohibit council members from speaking individually outside of meetings.
“Council members are allowed to speak with one another,” he said. “What the law prohibits is a quorum of the governing body discussing or conducting public business outside of a properly noticed meeting.”
He added that council members have an obligation to ensure they are informed before voting.
“Council members have an obligation to make sure that all of their questions are answered prior to a meeting,” Minchello said.
Addressing the lawsuit referenced during public comment, Minchello said the matter involved a private Facebook page and not the city or its elected officials.
“The lawsuit was dismissed,” he said. “It is now upon appeal.”
NJ "Sunshine Law"
Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA)
The Rules
📢 Public Notice: They must tell you when and where they meet in advance.
👀 Open Access: You have the right to attend and watch them work.
🗳️ Public Voting: All final votes must be done in front of everyone.
What's Allowed?
• 1-on-1 Talks: Members can talk privately as long as it's not a majority of the group.
• Learning: Members can ask questions and get info before a meeting starts.
What's Not Allowed?
• Secret Decisions: Making official decisions or taking votes behind closed doors.
• Shadow Quorums: Using a chain of private calls or emails to reach a secret majority decision.
Infographic created by The Central Jerseyan using Gemini Canvas. Source: NJ OPMA Guide
The Rahway Board of Education held its reorganization meeting on Tuesday. Mayor Giacobbe swore in Timothy Antisz, Joseph Toma, and Rahway First Lady Laura Giacobbe. All three were reelected in November without opposition. Toma was unanimously reelected board president during the meeting.
“Rahway is such an important town, and it’s just a privilege to be able to work together to give our students and community everything that they deserve,” Toma said. “And we wouldn’t have that without everyone present in this room, the same in and the entire community in general.”
From left, Timothy Antisz, Board President Joseph Toma, and Laura Giacobbe were sworn in during Tuesday’s Rahway Board of Education reorganization meeting after being re-elected in November. (Image created by The Central Jerseyan)