Environmental Commission Member Biography’s

Barbara Beringer – Has a BS and a Masters degree in Education.  A lifelong resident of Franklin Township her family has resided in the Township for at least seven generations.  She has been a member of the Commission for many years and has a keen interest in the development of the Township.

Dr. Theodore Chase, Jr. – A retired professor of biochemistry at Rutgers University he has been a member of the Environmental Commission and Planning Board since 1996.  He is currently Chair of the Planning Board and is also a member of the Township Open Space Advisory Committee.

John Clyde – Has a BA in Economics and Government and an MA in Political Science. A former Mayor of Franklin Township he also served as a Councilman for 16 years. He is currently the Chair of the Township Trails Advisory Committee.  He previously served on the Township Planning Board and the Open Space Advisory Committee.

Dianne M. Pydeski – Has a BS in Environmental Policy from Cook College of Rutgers University.  She is a Registered Environmental Health Specialist in New Jersey and has over 16 years experience in carrying out the enforcement of state and municipal environmental and public health codes.

Ernesto C. Roman – Has degrees in Electronic Engineering and Telecommunication Management as well as career diplomas in natural health, medicine & dentistry and forensic science.

Arnold W. Schmidt, Vice Chair – Has a BS in Environmental Science and is a Registered Environmental Health Specialist.  He has worked in County government since 1988 enforcing NJ environmental regulations.  Serves on the NJ Noise Council, is a member of the Township Shade Tree Comm. and the Open Space Advisory Committee.

David Triggs – Has a BS in Environmental Science and has been employed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection since 1989.  He is currently a member of the Open Space Advisory Committee.  He has worked in the environmental consulting field as well as the chemical industry.

Arnold S. Vernick, Chair – Has a BS and MS in Civil/Environmental Engineering and is a Professional Engineer in New Jersey and a Board Certified Environmental Engineer.  He has over 45 years experience as a consulting engineer in project management, pollution abatement, environmental protection and watershed management.

John H. Walker – Has a BA in Economics/Business Management from Rutgers and is a 30 year resident of Franklin.  He helped organize, coordinate and complete a 4 year investigation starting in 2002 to remediate widespread gasoline and VOC contamination of more than 160 residential potable wells in Franklin Park.

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