STAFFORD, NJ — Stafford’s newest and youngest councilmember was sworn in Feb. 20, but don’t judge him based on his age.
Owen LaRocca, who turns 24 on Feb. 22 according to The Sandpaper, fills the seat left vacant by Robert Henken, who was recently appointed as mayor. Read more: Councilman Appointed Mayor Of Stafford
“I’m very honored to be here,” LaRocca said after being sworn in by Assemblyman Greg Myhre.
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Despite his young age, LaRocca’s biography on the Stafford Township website lists multiple accomplishments.
A lifelong Stafford resident, LaRocca graduated cum laude from Stockton University with a B.S. in Business Studies. He volunteered for IBM’s World Community Grid to assist in COVID-19 treatment research during the pandemic and is the recipient of the Ocean County Personnel and Guidance Association Caring Award and the National Louis Armstrong Award.
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Aside from his political aspirations, you may recognize LaRocca as the saxophonist for local progressive rock band Shallow Green.
LaRocca said that filling Henken’s vacancy left him with “good shoes to fill.”
“I look forward to being able to fill them and to be able to serve the town to the best of my ability,” LaRocca said.
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