Jonathan Marcus Declines To Accept Mahwah Council Seat

MAHWAH, N.J. — Jonathan Marcus will not be accepting his seat on the Township Council.

Marcus issued a statement Tuesday saying "an unexpected situation" beyond his control arose in his life that forced him to "step back and take stock of what is most crucial to me: My well-being and that of my family" and that he would not serve on the council and immediately resigned from the Planning Board and Environmental Commission.

"For the near future, this is where my focus must solely be," Marcus said. "I cannot in good faith serve the residents of Mahwah at a time when I need to shift my time, focus and energy away from serving others and instead focus it on preserving myself and my family.

"I ask that people please respect my privacy and that of my family during this time. Please know that I have considered it a blessing from God to be able to serve the residents of Mahwah and each of you have contributed to that blessing in some way. I wish each and every one of you a blessed Holiday season and a New Year that brings hope, health, prosperity and promise."

Mayor William Laforet called Marcus' resignation "a loss to the community."

"It's an unfortunate turn of events," Laforet said. "He is a dedicated, passionate person who has served our community well."

Council President John Roth said he was "surprised" by the move.

Marcus was due to be sworn in to a four-year term at the council's reorganization meeting Jan. 5. The council will select, with a majority vote, a replacement who will serve until November, when a special election will be held for a three-year unexpired term.

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Photo: Jonathan Marcus — Patch file photo