Mayor & Council

Council President Mike Conahan and his wife, Maddalena, are proud Middlesex residents since 2002, in addition, to Maddalena being a proud Middlesex High School graduate, class of 1988.

Mike served as a volunteer on the Middlesex Zoning Board of Adjustment, in numerous positions over 12 years, including 4 years as Chairman. He also served as a volunteer on the Planning Board for approximately 6 years, including 2 years as Vice-Chairman. He also served as a volunteer on the Middlesex Board of Health for approximately 5 years. Mike was also a volunteer member of the Middlesex Borough 100th Anniversary Committee in 2013.

Most recently, Mike served as a volunteer on the Joint Land Use Board (JLUB) for 4 years, 3 years as Chairman. He also served as a volunteer on the Middlesex Board of Health for almost 2 years, including one year as Vice-President. Mike also served as a volunteer on the Middlesex Recreation Committee for 6 years. He also served as a volunteer on the Middlesex Redevelopment Committee for the last 4 years.

Mike was appointed to the Middlesex Borough Council, to fill a vacancy, on July 7, 2022. He then won reelection for the remaining one year of the unexpired term, on November 8, 2022, and was sworn in on January 3, 2023. Mike was again reelected to a full three-year term, on November 7, 2023, and was sworn in on January 2, 2024.

He graduated from Radford University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. Mike currently works in the private sector and has done so successfully for the last 29 years.

He and his wife Maddalena, have 2 teenage children, Jacalyn and Megan. Over the last 12 years, Mike has coached them both in Soccer, Basketball and Softball. They also have a dog they rescued, Pepper.

Contact

Phone: 732-853-7086
Email: mconahan@middlesexboro-nj.gov

Committees: Council Liaison (2025)

• Finance

• Parks Improvement

Committees: Councilmatic Member (2025)

• Fire

• Office of Emergency Management (OEM)

• Police

• Court

• Rescue Squad

• Recreation & Fields

• Swim Pool Commission

• Community Celebrations

Proudly born and raised in Middlesex Borough, Councilman Robert Dessino is deeply committed to the well-being of our community. As a dedicated family person, he shares his life with his wife Corilyn and their children, Christopher and Samantha, as well as their daughter Danielle, son-in-law Paul, and their precious daughter Avery, now in Philadelphia, PA.

With a profound connection to Middlesex Borough, Councilman Dessino served as a Department of Public Works employee for 36 years, contributing to the community's growth and maintenance until his retirement in 2020. Having been elected to the Middlesex Borough Council in 2023, he is honored to continue serving his fellow residents until 2025.

His passion for community involvement extends beyond council duties—Councilman Dessino actively contributes as a member of the Land Use Board, Swim Pool Liaison, and Beautification Committee. He says, “It is a true pleasure to serve the citizens of this great community, and I am enthusiastic about the positive impact we can create together.”

Contact

Phone: 732-354-7624
Email: rdessino@middlesexboro-nj.gov

Committees: Council Liaison (2025)

• Joint Land Use Board

• Public Works (DPW)

• Environmental Commission

Committees: Councilmatic Member (2025)

• Administration

• Legislation

• Department of Senior Services

• Finance

• Taxation

• Real Estate

• Insurance

• Public Utilities

• Library

(Bio coming soon)

Contact

Phone: 732-289-8318
Email: kdotey@middlesexboro-nj.gov

Committees: Council Liaison (2025)

• Office of Emergency Management (OEM)

• Fire

• Police/Court

• Rescue Squad

Committees: Councilmatic Member (2025)

• Administration

• Legislation

• Department of Senior Services

• Recreation and Fields

• Swim Pool Commission

• Community Celebrations

(Bio coming soon)

Contact

Phone: 908-698-1014
Email: kgriggs@middlesexboro-nj.gov

Committees: Council Liaison (2025)

• Board of Health

• Shade Tree Commission

• Zoning / Code Enforcement

• Construction

Committees: Councilmatic Member (2025)

• Fire

• OEM

• Police

• Court

• Rescue Squad

• Public Works

• Recycling

• Building and Grounds

• Environmental Commission

(Bio Coming Soon)

Contact

Phone: 908-698-1437
Email: jdescenza@middlesexboro-nj.gov

Committees: Council Liaison (2025)

• County SWAC / Transportation

• Housing and Community Development Committee

• Recreation Committee

• Swim Pool Commission

• Recreation

• Parks Improvement Committee

  Committees: Councilmatic Member (2025)

• Finance

• Taxation

• Real Estate

• Insurance

• Public Utilities

• Library

• Board of Health

• Zoning

• Legal

• Code Enforcement

• Shade Tree

• Construction

Councilman Jeremiah Carnes has been visiting Middlesex since 2009 and officially called Middlesex home after closing on a home in 2016 and has proudly served on the Borough Council since January 1, 2020. Though not originally from New Jersey—born in Riverside, CA, and having lived in Shreveport, LA—Councilman Carnes moved to Harrison, NJ, in 2000 before settling in Middlesex. His deep passion for public service and commitment to community have been constants in his life.

Before stepping onto the council, Councilman Carnes was actively involved in the community as a member of the Borough’s Rescue Squad, Office of Emergency Management, Zoning Board and Substitute Teacher. These roles laid a solid foundation for his leadership and helped set the stage for his future in local government.

A proud U.S. Air Force veteran, Councilman Carnes served in Security Forces (Military Police) from 2005 to 2009. After earning a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management and Administration from Berkeley College in 2012, he balanced his professional work with a dedication to family and community. As a devoted Stay-at-Home Dad (SAHD), Councilman Carnes enjoys spending time with his wife, Joy, and their children—Kaylee, Juliet, Asher, and Ezekiel. Their family is completed by their “chunky monkey” hound dog mix, Bella-Presley.

Councilman Carnes is widely recognized as a true mover and shaker within the borough. His vision for Middlesex extends beyond the conventional, particularly when it comes to improving parks and ensuring that residents can fully enjoy the benefits of their tax dollars. His leadership in spearheading the Victor Crowell Park expansion through the creation of the Parks Improvement Committee has had a transformative impact on the community. With his persuasive vision, he successfully convinced fellow council members of the long-term value this park would bring, turning it into a vibrant space for all to enjoy. Even better getting the parks development back into the hands of the people.

Beyond parks, Councilman Carnes has played a crucial role in revitalizing Middlesex’s cultural landscape as well. As a driving force behind the establishment of the Culture & Arts Committee, he created a dedicated platform for celebrating and cultivating local arts and culture. This committee has become one of the borough’s most dynamic, allowing residents to shape and amplify the cultural identity of their community. Additionally, Councilman Carnes ensured that the Art and Culture Committee (previously culture and heritage) was driven by the genuine needs and desires of Middlesex residents, putting the power back in their hands. Together, these two committees have become essential pillars of the community, providing residents a direct voice in how their tax dollars are spent and ensuring their perspectives are heard and valued.

Councilman Carnes didn’t just help form these committees; he invested countless hours interviewing potential candidates, writing policies, and ensuring that each committee would be staffed with the best possible members to serve the borough. His tireless work behind the scenes has helped create committees that are not only effective but also truly represent the community’s needs and aspirations.

Through his leadership, Councilman Carnes has fostered spaces where the community can unite, celebrate diversity, and make lasting changes that reflect the people’s values. His efforts continue to inspire both seasoned and new leaders, empowering them to step up and leave their mark on Middlesex. Politics isn’t for the light hearted and boy can conversations get taken away from their true intent, however, truth , honesty and integrity have always been the foundation of his actions as an elected official.

Councilman Carnes’s dedication to his family, his community, and his borough has earned him the respect and admiration of many. His unwavering love for people and his commitment to progress have made him a beloved and influential figure in Middlesex—truly a public servant who embodies the spirit of positive change.

The future is bright.

Contact

Phone: 732-354-9078
Email: jcarnes@middlesexboro-nj.gov

Committees: Council Liaison (2025)

• Administration

• Board of Education

• Disabled & Senior Services

• Film Committee

• Cultural and Arts/Beautification Committee

Councilmatic Committee Member (2025)

• Public Works

• Recycling

• Building and Grounds

• Board of Health

• Zoning

• Legal

• Code Enforcement

• Shade Tree

• Construction