Metuchen Mayor Resigns, Named Murphy's Chief Of Staff

METUCHEN, NJ — Metuchen mayor Pete Cammarano announced his resignation at Monday night's borough council meeting, citing his new position as Governor Phil Murphy's Chief of Staff.

"My decision to accept the position as the Governor’s Chief of Staff was difficult because my schedule would not permit me to continue as Mayor. I am proud of what we accomplished together and I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to have served," Cammarano said. He previously served as Chief of Staff to Gov. Richard Codey, and as Codey's Chief of Staff as a Senator.

Council President Ronald Grayzel will serve as interim mayor. Local Democratic party officials will meet to discuss replacement suggestions; those suggestions will be offered at the next Borough Meeting. A new mayor could be appointed as early as Dec. 18 at the 7:30 p.m. meeting.

Cammarano is the founder of the New Jersey Cannabis Industry Association. Murphy made marijuana legalization a focal point of his campaign, and lawmakers have said they want to see it legalized within Murphy's first 100 days.

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