Wayne Council’s Last-Standing Democrat Announces Resignation

WAYNE, NJ — Councilwoman Fran Ritter has announced that she will be stepping down from the Wayne dais.

Ritter announced via social media on Friday that her final day as a Wayne councilwoman would be March 6, two days after what will be her final council meeting on March 4.

“Serving the residents of Wayne has truly been an honor. I am deeply grateful to my constituents for the trust you placed in me, and to my colleagues on Council and the Mayor for the time and care you devote to public service,” she posted. “This decision is based on personal and professional considerations and was not made lightly. I appreciate the opportunity to have served, to have listened, and to have worked on behalf of the people of Wayne.”

The democrat was just reelected to her position on the council this past November and was sworn in just over a month ago. She has been serving Wayne’s 5th Ward since 2020.

She was the only Democrat, and woman, in a Republican-majority administration.

Ritter thanked her constituents, as well as Township Clerk Paul Margiotta, Business Administrator Chris Tietjen, and township staff and volunteers, “whose dedication keeps our community running every day.”

“Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts, concerns, and hopes with me during my time on Council,” she said. “Your engagement mattered to me.”

It remains to be seen who will be replacing Ritter on the dais.