Zichelli takes seat as new Cedar Grove councilman

Joseph Zichelli, a 23-year-old law student, was sworn in tonight as a councilman in Cedar Grove.

He replaces Robbie Vargo, who resigned in June, three years into a four-year term.

Zichelli was appointed by the remaining councilmembers to fill the vacancy and will run in a November special election to fill the remaining eight months of Vargo’ term.

Cedar Grove holds non-partisan municipal elections.

Former State Sen. Kevin J. O’Toole administered the oath of office to Zichelli.

O’Toole was 24 when he first won a Cedar Grove council seat in 1989.  Like Zichelli, he was a law student at Seton Hall Law School at the time of his election.

Kerry Peterson had succeeded Vargo as mayor last month, and Peter Tanella, a former mayor, took Peterson’s post as deputy mayor.