Read Mayor Steve DiDonato’s full address delivered at the 2025 Town Council Reorganization Meeting held at Hammonton Town Hall on Tuesday, January 7th.
Good evening.
I stand before you today with a heart full of gratitude, humbled by the incredible opportunity I’ve had to serve as your mayor for the last 15 years. It has been, without a doubt, the honor of a lifetime to work alongside so many of you, striving together to make Hammonton a better place for all 15,000 of our residents.
As I reflect on my time as Mayor, I am proud of what we’ve accomplished as a community, but I also know that nothing of true value is done alone. The achievements we celebrate today are not mine alone, nor the work of just a few people—rather, they are the product of a collective spirit, a spirit of cooperation, and the unshakeable belief that when we come together, there is no challenge we cannot overcome.
Over the last two decades, Hammonton has changed in ways that, at the time, might have seemed impossible. We’ve invested in the safety and security of our town, and today we have a police force that is second to none. They stand ready to protect and serve, ensuring that Hammonton remains one of the safest communities in New Jersey. We’ve also made significant investments in our fire department, ensuring that they have the tools, the resources, and the training they need to keep us safe in times of need.
We’ve put our focus on infrastructure as well—through roadwork, public improvements, and better planning for the future. You’ve seen it, as have I—our roads are smoother, our sidewalks safer, and our utilities more reliable. We’ve secured more grants in the past few years than ever before, funds that allow us to continue making these important changes without asking more from our taxpayers.
Throughout all of this, we’ve remained committed to supporting our small businesses—our hometown heroes who keep our economy thriving and our town bustling. Whether it’s in the heart of Main Street or uptown, Hammonton has become a destination once again. The spirit of entrepreneurship and collaboration runs deep in this town, and we’re seeing it come to life every day.
Another milestone we can all be proud of is the arrival of Stockton University in our town. Bringing a college to Hammonton was a bold step, but it’s already making a profound impact—enriching our community’s culture in ways we could have only dreamed of two decades ago.
Equally important is our partnership with some of the region’s largest employers, such as Atlanticare and NJM. These relationships provide opportunities for our residents, bring good-paying jobs to our community, and contribute to our growth and prosperity.
And despite all of this growth and progress, we have remained fiscally responsible. We’ve managed to make these improvements while ensuring that we do not place an undue burden on our residents. We’ve done this by being smart with how we spend our money and by planning ahead. The responsible decisions we’ve made together have positioned Hammonton as a town of the future—a town with a bright horizon.
One of the things I’m most proud of is our culture—a culture rooted in kindness, respect, volunteerism, and our shared traditions. Hammonton is a place where neighbors help neighbors, where generations grow up together, and where community comes before anything else. And this year, we will celebrate a monumental milestone: the 150th anniversary of the Mt. Caramel Society Festival. This incredible tradition, like so many others, reminds us of who we are and what we stand for. Our values are timeless, and our future is built on that foundation.
As we grow, it’s crucial that we hold ourselves to the highest standards—personally, professionally, and as a community. The education of our children is our most important investment, and by supporting our schools, we secure Hammonton’s future. I call on the Hammonton Board of Education, as public servants, to focus on the best interests of our students and community. In 2025, I hope the Board will reaffirm its commitment to its mission of setting policy and overseeing the district’s operations with the well-being of every student at the forefront. The future of our children—and our town—depends on this dedication.
As we look ahead, I want to share with you a quote that my father often said to me: “One tree in a field can be blown down by the wind, but when there are several trees, the roots lock together, and the wind can’t blow them down.” To me, this represents the strength we find in unity. When we work together, when we support one another, when we lock arms in our shared mission, no challenge is too great. No storm is too strong.
I have tried, over these 15 years, to be a mayor who listens first, who puts the needs of our residents ahead of personal interest, and who always aims to do what is right for the community, not just for an individual or a family or for political gain. This job has not always been easy. There have been tough decisions, difficult conversations, and sacrifices along the way. But through it all, I have been committed to serving you—our residents—and to building a future we can all be proud of.
None of this would have been possible without the incredible staff here at Town Hall, who work tirelessly each and every day to serve you. I am deeply grateful for their dedication and hard work. I also want to recognize the outstanding employees in our Highway Department and Water and Sewer divisions, whose efforts behind the scenes ensure our town remains safe, clean, and well-maintained for all our residents. I also want to thank my fellow council members, who have been my partners in all of this. Together, we’ve navigated challenges, celebrated successes, and—most importantly—always kept the best interests of our town at the forefront.
And of course, I am eternally grateful to my family. Their support, love, and patience have been the backbone of my service. Without them, I could not have done this work with the heart and commitment that I have always strived to give.
As I stand before you tonight, just one year away from finishing my term as mayor and not running again, I want to assure you that I am as committed as ever to the future of Hammonton. There is still much to be done in this final year, and I will continue to give my all, every single day, to ensure that our town is stronger, safer, and more united than ever.
We’ve built a strong foundation. Now, it’s time to keep building together.
Thank you for the privilege of serving you. Let’s continue to work together, as one team, to make Hammonton an even better place for generations to come.
Thank you.