South River has once again appointed a new councilman to fill a vacancy on the governing body. Matt DeSantis, a 41-year-old Republican and South River native, was unanimously chosen at Monday’s Borough Council meeting to replace John Frost, who resigned for personal reasons.
This is the second vacancy filled this year, as Frost himself was appointed in May to replace Jason Oliveira, the former council president. The South River Republican Organization nominated three party members, including DeSantis, for the position.
DeSantis, vice president of sales for U.S. Wire & Cable Corp., expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve his hometown. He plans to be involved in the town’s revitalization efforts and prioritize the needs of its residents.
“I’m very respectful and appreciative of the history and tradition of our town and I also want to be a part of planning as we move forward with revitalization and progress,” DeSantis said. “I’ve been a big part of the youth in the town for a long time mainly through athletics and coaching, but I want to be up here now to make a different difference… I plan to speak for the people and do what’s right for the borough and put them first every day.”
DeSantis, whose term ends on December 31, is also running on the Republican ticket for Borough Council in the upcoming November general election. Prior to his appointment, he served as chair of the South River Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and is actively involved in the community through coaching and his church.
Mayor Peter Guindi expressed his confidence in DeSantis, stating, “Matt is a remarkable individual with a lot of great ideas. He is going to move South River forward the way it should be and I’m looking forward to working with him.”
