Empty Seat On Summit Council To Be Filled, Officials Say

SUMMIT, NJ — A vacant seat on the Summit Common Council will be filled in the coming weeks, following the resignation of Ward 1 Councilmember Bob Pawlowski, with city officials outlining the process during the June 3 meeting.

Under the city’s rules for filling a mid-term vacancy, the local Republican committee will submit three nominees for consideration. The remaining council members will then review the candidates and select a replacement to serve the rest of the term.

Council President Claire Toth said the list of nominees has already been received and is currently under review.

“We expect to welcome our new council member very shortly,” Toth said.

With the process underway, officials also took time during the meeting to reflect on Pawlowski’s time on the council and his hands-on approach to local issues.

Mayor Fagan described him as someone deeply involved in day-to-day city efforts and willing to take a practical role in improvements around town.

“He worked so hard as a council person for the citizens of Summit that he couldn’t both do his paying job and this job,” Fagan said.

She also shared an example of his involvement in local projects, noting that he often engaged directly with maintenance and cleanup efforts.

“He was the one who brought his power washer out, and asked the city staff to make cleaning up the town a priority,” Fagan said, adding that he helped demonstrate different approaches to local improvement efforts. She also referenced his focus on upgrades and maintenance at facilities.

Fagan added that Pawlowski’s belief that Summit was “the greatest of all time” reflected his pride in the community, and said, “he will be missed here in the dais.”

Officials also noted that Pawlowski will be formally recognized for his service at the city’s annual reorganization meeting in January.