L-28’s Devlin chosen mayor of Wall, N.J.

Lodge’s legislative director becomes first Democrat to hold top township office

NOTCH ANOTHER POLITICAL first for John Devlin of Local 28 (Newark, N.J.). The lodge’s legislative director now holds the title of mayor of Wall, N.J. He is the first Democratic mayor in the history of the township, which was established in 1851. The community is a traditional Republican stronghold.

L-28’s John Devlin, mayor of Wall, N.J.

The township committee unanimously selected Devlin mayor Jan. 2. In Wall, the municipal government forms each January, with the five-person committee selecting one of its members to serve as mayor for a one-year term.

Devlin first broke new ground in 2005 when he became the only Democrat ever elected to a second term on the committee, having previously served from 2001 to 2003.

Local 28’s legislative committee is known for being active in local politics. In addition to Devlin’s role as mayor of Wall, Jay Brophy serves on the Gloucester City, N.J., council, and Woody Dooley recently completed a term on the Westville, N.J., council.