TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON, N.J.—After rejecting two candidates to fill the unexpired term of recently resigned Councilman Michael Ullman, the Township Council voted unanimously Oct. 19 to appoint Planning Board member Michael Polito to the seat through Dec. 31, 2027.
Polito was sworn in Oct. 20 by Township Clerk Susan Witkowski at Town Hall. Officials said a more formal swearing-in ceremony is likely at the Nov. 9 council meeting.
The appointment followed two unsuccessful nominations — community volunteer Robert Stickel and former Councilwoman Desserie Morgan — each defeated 3-2 after Mayor Peter Calamari cast the deciding vote against them.
Council President Michael DeSena nominated both candidates, with Councilman Steven Cascio joining him in support. Members Tom Sears and Daisy Velez opposed both appointments, leaving the council tied 2-2.
Under the township’s form of government, the mayor votes only to break a tie. Calamari voted against each nomination.
Velez then nominated Polito, with Sears seconding the motion. DeSena and Cascio joined them in approving the appointment, 4-0.
“Welcome, Mr. Polito,” DeSena said following the vote.
Reached by Pascack Press, Polito said “I’m truly honored to have this opportunity to serve Washington Township in a greater capacity.”
He added, “While I’ve lived in town since 2020, my extended family’s roots here go back more than 30 years, and this community has always felt like home to me.”
Polito has served on the Planning Board since 2024. He is a licensed real estate agent with Coldwell Banker and The ONE94 Group. He said his real estate work has strengthened his understanding of local housing, property values and maintaining strong communities.
He lives in the township with his wife, Danielle, their daughter, Gianna, and their dog, Louie.
“Having served on the Planning Board since 2024, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the responsibility that comes with helping shape the future of our town,” Polito said.
He said his goal is to be “a thoughtful, accessible, and collaborative voice for our residents.”
“I want to help preserve what makes Washington Township such a special place to live while making decisions that support the long-term interests of our community,” he said. “I look forward to working with my fellow Council members, listening to residents, and contributing wherever I can to keep our town moving in a positive direction.”
Ullman resigned Oct. 13, saying he could no longer devote the time necessary to fulfill his responsibilities to residents. His departure also created vacancies in the council vice presidency and the council’s Planning Board representation.
Following Polito’s appointment, the council voted 4-0 to appoint Sears to Ullman’s unexpired Class III Planning Board term, which runs through Dec. 31.
Cascio initially nominated DeSena for the Planning Board position, but the nomination received no second and did not advance to a vote.
The council also unanimously elected Velez as vice president, a position Ullman most recently held. DeSena nominated Velez, with Sears seconding the motion. The nomination was not on the meeting agenda.
“Congratulations Daisy, congratulations Tom,” DeSena said, joined by Cascio.
At the start of the meeting, DeSena thanked Ullman for his “years of service and everything he brought to the dais, and this council and this administration at this time.”
“I hope he has a great retirement from the council. He will be missed,” DeSena said.
The Oct. 19 meeting was not livestreamed or archived on the township’s YouTube channel because of technical difficulties. Residents attempting to watch online instead encountered a screen identifying the meeting as “Upcoming,” with no audio broadcast.
It was unclear whether community cable channels carried the meeting audio. A recording of the 37-minute council session was posted online Oct. 20.
For background, see “Ullman resigns from Township Council, citing time demands; vacancy opens,” Oct. 15, 2026.