Watchung Council Facing Two Vacancies to Fill

The Watchung Borough Council has 15 days to find three candidates to fill the mayor's chair, after Mayor Gerald Mobus died Sunday, and another three to fill the vacated council seat of Karen Cassidy, who gave her resignation at the March 14 council meeting.

"It is time for me to step down from the council and open up a position for someone who does have the time to meet councilmatic responsibilities," Cassidy said in her resignation, after noting her work requirements were preventing her from spending the time she felt was needed.

"I want to thank those of you who put their faith and trust in me and some who crossed party lines to vote for me in November of 2011," she added. "I also wish to thank the mayor and my fellow council members and borough employees (and) volunteers for two-plus years of a wonderful experience in helping maintain Watchung's excellence."

Cassidy returned to work in financial services "year and seven months ago," she said, after a seven-year break from it. She was promoted to her previous position of managing director last month, a position she'd held for 15 years in her earlier stint in the industry.

"Unfortunately, it has infringed on my ability to deliver as a council member," she said.  

The process for filling both positions will be the same, Borough Clerk Michelle DiRocco said. After council considers the candidates for both positions, members have another 30 days to appoint a new mayor and council member who will serve until the November election. 

Should they chose to run for the seats, they will need to file for the primary and have their names placed on the November ballots.

Borough Council President Stephen Pote will serve as acting mayor until a new mayor is appointed.