Gottheimer swears in 26-year-old Carl Contino to first term on Vernon Township Council
VERNON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Sussex County) — U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer administered the oath of office Thursday to Carl Contino for his first term on the Vernon Township Council, with Contino, 26, becoming the youngest elected official on the council.
The swearing-in took place Jan. 15, 2026, in Vernon Township.
“I have no doubt Carl will lead this community with the same thoughtfulness, preparation, and dedication he brings as a teacher and from his time on the Board of Education,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) before swearing in Carl Contino. “Through the power of one of our most significant responsibilities, the ability to vote, the Vernon community came together this November to elect Carl to serve his community and lead New Jersey forward — trusting him to bring his experience, his values, and his commitment to education and opportunity to the Council.”
Gottheimer was joined by state Sen. Parker Space; Sussex County commissioners Chris Carney, Alan Henderson and David Silverthorne; Vernon Mayor Anthony Rossi; and council members Patrick Ruzzuto, William Higgins, Bradley Sparta and Sandra Ooms, along with residents, according to the announcement.
