The governor shall, by and with the advice and consent of the senate, appoint a commission consisting of seven members who shall be residents of the water supply district which they represent and not more than four of whom shall be of the same political party. The commissioners first appointed shall hold office, one for one year, one for two years, one for three years and two for four years. The two commissioners first appointed pursuant to P.L. 2001, c. 374 shall hold office for four years. Upon the expiration of the term of office of any commissioner, his successor shall be appointed by the governor, by and with the advice and consent of the senate, for a term of four years. Each commissioner shall hold his office until his successor has been appointed, and any vacancy in the membership of the commission shall be filled for the unexpired term in the manner provided for an original appointment. If the senate is not in session at the time of making any such appointment, the governor may make an ad interim appointment for a time extending only until such time as the senate shall convene.
N.J.S. § 58:5-3