News
Gilmour Resigns From FH Council
By Ryan Fennell
FAIR HAVEN - Council President Thomas Gilmour offered his letter of resignation, effective December 31, 2008, to the Mayor and Council and residents of Fair Haven at Monday night's meeting.
Gilmour has served on the council for nine years, the last five as Council President.
Gilmour said in a prepared statement that he had been contemplating resigning from his position for several months.
"The current economic downturn requires additional demands on my time in Asbury Park," Gilmour said. "I have always been able to balance work and serving Fair Haven, but that is no longer the case."
Gilmour is the director of commerce for the City of Asbury Park.
Gilmour also cited a recent family illness as a contributing factor to his decision to step down.
During his nine years on the Borough Council, Gilmour has been at the forefront of several major projects undertaken by the Borough.
Gilmour was responsible for the introduction and establishment of Fair Haven's Long Range Planning Committee, which was the first step in involving residents in the Borough's strategic planning.
Gilmour was the committee chair for the planning and creation of the Borough's 9/11 Memorial. He was also instrumental in guiding the site selection and ultimate construction of a cell tower in Fair Haven.
"After nine years, I am saddened to cut my term short, especially during these times of great financial challenges," Gilmour said. "New Jersey state government's mismanagement of our tax dollars, excessive regulation, and continued free spending supported by increased taxes, threatens the quality of life in Fair Haven. I do leave confident that our town is in good hands."
Mayor Michael Halfacre called Gilmour's resignation "a big loss."
"He's the longest-serving councilman, and he's spearheaded a lot of tough projects," Halfacre said. "He spearheaded the cell tower for years trying to nurse that through. The 9/11 Memorial was another one that was not an easy thing. There was a lot of difference of opinion in town about what to do. He shepherded those two major projects through."
Halfacre went on to say that Gilmour has "always been a very steady voice."
"Anytime you lose someone who's been on council for as long as he has it is a loss," Halfacre said. "That history that you have of things that may have been discussed eight years ago that he'll know about that maybe no one else does. We wish him and his family the best."
"During the past nine years, I have had the privilege of serving Fair Haven in the company of very dedicated and talented residents especially our current council, three great mayors, Mary Howell and her staff, and our wonderful Police Chief Darryl Breckenridge," Gilmour said. "I am very proud of our accomplishments. It was an honor to serve."
The next step in the process is replacing Gilmour on the council after his resignation takes effect on December 31st.
The Fair Haven Republican Committee will select three candidates to fill the vacancy. The Republican Committee has 15 days after Gilmour's resignation takes effect to submit those names to the Borough Council. At that time, the Borough Council has 30 days to act and appoint one of the three candidates to Gilmour's vacant seat.
