Lakewood - To Have First Orthodox Jewish Mayor

LAKEWOOD NJ - The man who stands to gain most from the Township Committee race this year wasn't on the ballot.But because Charles Cunliffe and Raymond G. Coles were re-elected Tuesday, the Democrats retain a 3-to-2 advantage on the committee. That means they will pick the mayor from their triumvirate.Cunliffe has the job this year. Coles had it last year.So now, Committeeman Meir Lichtenstein is poised to become the first Orthodox Jewish mayor in Lakewood, home to the state's largest community of Orthodox Jews.Lichtenstein confirmed Wednesday he will ask for the other committee members to appoint him mayor at the January reorganization meeting."The Orthodox community in Lakewood has grown from a very small community to a very large community quite quickly," Lichtenstein said. "So, yes, it is an honor."