Tom’s River A recall campaign has been started by a group of locals who are dissatisfied with Mayor Daniel Rodrick’s leadership. The mayor claims that these people are political players who are angry that they aren’t getting the benefits of his cost-cutting initiatives.
According to the petitioners, community outrage over the mayor’s careless acts is what spurred the recall. In addition to failing to guarantee the safety and standard of living of the locals, the Rodrick Administration is discouraging businesses from thriving in Toms River. Important concerns include:
- Defund and failure to properly staff the Toms River Police
- Shut down Silverton EMS, taking needed ambulances off service
- Closed the Toms River Animal Shelter
- Failed to provide proper animal control services
- Cut code enforcement properties falling into disrepair and slumlords invading our quiet residential neighborhoods
- Breach of public trust complete lack of transparency at Council meetings and blatant disrespect to residents
- Government overreach seizing an active church by eminent domain
- Targeting the vulnerable homeless after evicting them from encampments and shutting down Just Believe Cold Blue assistance
Rodrick took office as mayor in January 2024. He had previously served as a councilman.
“This is the fourth time that the members of the Mo Hill club have claimed to be starting a recall petition,” Rodrick remarked in response to the recall effort. This is a reference to Maurice Hill, the former mayor.
In addition to cutting the budget by $11 million, or 9%, stopping the skyscrapers, repealing the 15-story zoning downtown, and keeping taxes flat for two consecutive years, my administration also met the state’s 10-year affordable housing mandate without having to construct any new flats, he said.
These are only our high-profile achievements. In addition, we have a municipal pier, two spray parks, a number of new parks, and grant money to expand the boardwalk in Ortley Beach. He said, “There are too many accomplishments to list, but I could go on.” In actuality, these are really unhappy individuals who have been nourished by the government for many years, and they simply refuse to go away.
Current Leaders’ Detractors
Although they come from two distinct clubs, the whole governing body is Republican. At council sessions, a vociferous group has been critical of Rodrick, his administration, and his Township Council allies Lynn O. Toole, Craig Coleman, Justin Lamb, and William Byrne.
Residents Chris Raimann, Dana Tormollan, and Philip Brilliant—three of the most outspoken opponents—signed the press release as members of the Recall Committee. They included quotations from other elected politicians, both past and present.
The recall committee is associated with three councilmen: Thomas Nivison, David Ciccozzi, and James Quinlisk. They have taken issue with the Township Council meetings’ last-minute agendas and the lack of public comment.
Rodrick’s behavior is unacceptable and endangers our town’s safety and security. After losing a recent primary election to Harry Aber, a Rodrick friend, Quinlisk declared, “We need to act immediately; our town deserves better.”
Our population has increased dramatically over the last 20 years, but the mayor has failed to replace the police, which has resulted in a decrease in police presence. A recent stabbing in Ortley Beach, a fatal stabbing on Fischer Boulevard, a drive-by shooting in North Dover that was seen by children, and the murder of a homeowner whose home was used to house a suspect who later committed suicide following a police standoff in East Dover are just a few examples of the unheard-of violent crime that our town faces, according to Quinlisk. At least 15 officers have departed since 2024, and five more are anticipated to retire before the year is up.
Rodrick’s desire for the town to purchase the Christ Episcopal Church on Washington Street is another source of conflict.
Recreation is part of Rodrick’s strategy for this land. There would be a playground and other facilities on the church property. A municipal marina is one of the several waterfront properties the town is interested in.
He has stated that the town will engage in sincere negotiations to acquire the land.
The acquisition was made to prevent the church from opening a 17-bed homeless shelter there, according to the council majority and administration’s detractors. It was recently rejected by the land use board that is in charge of that type of development.
Regarding the church plan, Councilman Ciccozzi declared: This is blatant evil! The mayor has betrayed both his obligation to the citizens and his oath of office! The recall is the way to prevent him from destroying the Toms River.
According to former Councilman Terrance Turnbach, a Democrat who served as Rodrick’s running mate prior to Rodrick’s transition to the Republican Party, elected officials who exhibit an unquestionable lack of leadership skills ought to be removed from office. The Dan Rodrick revenge tour will continue for another two and a half years, which the people of Toms River cannot afford.
Robert Bianchini, the recall candidate, defeated Council President Lamb in the primary election.
According to Bianchini, Rodrick’s behavior is heinous. Toms River can’t afford to let his mayhem continue for another two years. A more qualified person will be able to serve our municipality in an honorable and morally responsible manner thanks to the recall.
Clinton Bradley, who also favors the recall, defeated Councilman Byrne in the primary election.
I took an oath to uphold the duties of office and to support and defend the Constitution when I joined the US Army. I mean this commitment. Bradley claimed that Rodrick shows little consideration for his office’s responsibilities or his obligations to the community.
Details of the Recall
Because every politician would be recalled if it were simple, the regulations governing recall are stringent. After filing the petition on June 27, the petitioners have 160 days to gather 20,000 signatures. The first week of December would be this week.
In the upcoming months, they plan to host fundraisers, education activities, and rallies. They would compel a special election for mayor if they were successful.
According to the Recall Committee’s statement, residents of Toms River are becoming more and more vulnerable as a result of his poor leadership. Come along with us as we demand accountability and rebuild the future of Toms River. We can change things if we work together.
Additionally, the group runs the website TRresidents4transparency.com and the Toms River Residents For Transparency page on Facebook.
In the past, they attempted to overturn governing body ordinances that eliminated senior police positions and closed the animal shelter.
