Commissioner Bob Barr is sworn into office by Congressman Jeff Van Drew. (Photos courtesy of Prime Digital Marketing)
An overflow crowd of family, supporters and community leaders filled the Cape May County Administration Building on Tuesday as the Board of County Commissioners held its annual reorganization meeting to kick off 2026.
Commissioners Bob Barr and Andrew Bulakowski, both reelected by voters in November, were sworn into new three-year terms during a ceremony highlighted by remarks from state and federal officials.
Congressman Jeff Van Drew administered the oath of office to Barr, a longtime Ocean City leader who first joined the board in 2023 after serving as City Council president in Ocean City.
“Serving Cape May County is the greatest honor of my life,” Barr said following his swearing in. “I’m grateful to Congressman Van Drew for being here today, and for his many years as a friend and mentor. I’m humbled by the faith our residents continue to place in me. In 2026, I’ll stay focused on protecting our shore communities, supporting economic growth, and investing in the people who make Cape May County strong.”
Bulakowski, first elected in 2022 to fill the seat previously held by former Director Jerry Thornton, took his oath administered by Michael J. Donohue, CapeGOP chairman and former Superior Court judge.
“I’m proud to continue serving the residents of Cape May County and deeply honored to begin my second term,” Bulakowski said. “We have real opportunities this year to continue to improve the lives of county residents.”
“I’m excited to keep our county moving forward by prioritizing responsible spending, creating well-paying jobs, continued growth in economic development, and spearheading projects that protect the environment and preserve recreational opportunities for our residents and visitors,” he added.
Commissioner Andrew Bulakowski is sworn into office by Cape May County Republican Chairman Michael Donohue.Following the swearing in, the board unanimously selected Commissioner Leonard Desiderio to continue serving as director for 2026. Bulakowski will remain vice director.
“Cape May County is blessed with dedicated public servants who care deeply about protecting what is special in our communities,” Desiderio said. “I appreciate the confidence of my colleagues and look forward to continuing our shared mission: keeping Cape May County safe, prosperous, family-friendly, and the best place to live and visit in New Jersey.”
During the session, commissioners approved organizational resolutions assigning departmental oversight, confirming liaison roles to county agencies and boards, and adopting procedures for the new year.
Statements were delivered by Desiderio, Bulakowski, Barr and fellow Commissioners Will Morey and Melanie Collette.
Board members noted with sadness the absence of County Facilities and Services Director and former Middle Township Mayor Dan Lockwood. Lockwood, a longtime Republican leader in Cape May County, passed away in June of 2025 at the age of 57. His wife, Sylvia, was in attendance and a front row seat at the meeting was left vacant in honor of Lockwood’s service to Cape May County.
The ceremony also included the presentation of colors by the Cape May County Sheriff’s Color Guard, the Pledge of Allegiance led by Commissioner Collette, the singing of the national anthem by Miss Ocean City Taylor Mulford and a benediction by Assemblyman Antwan McClellan.
