FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Red Bank Democrats and Municipal Chairman Ed Zipprich are pleased to announce that the NJ Superior Court has ruled that Councilwoman Angela Mirandi can remain on the council. This ruling denies Councilwoman Kathy Horgan and Charter Study Commissioner Kate Okeson’s request to have Mirandi removed.

Rather than accept Council’s appointment of Mirandi, Horgan and Okeson filed suit at taxpayer’s expense, including the cost of two lawyers to defend this lawsuit’s multiple defendants.  As a result, the Red Bank Democrats demand that Horgan and Okeson reimburse the Borough for costs incurred.

The Red Bank Democrats implemented a process that was transparent and permitted by the bylaws as it concerns the vetting and selection of replacement candidates. A vacancy opened when Councilman Erik Yngstrom resigned in January. Horgan was familiar with this process, having participated in the filling of a prior vacancy when Councilman Arthur Murphy resigned in 2015.

The Red Bank Democrats understand this lawsuit’s motivation was not in the best interests of Red Bank or its residents.  Mayoral candidate Michael Ballard said, “Fortunately, Judge Bauman saw through this and allowed Angela [Mirandi], with her strong background in financial matters, to continue to serve on Council.”   Council candidate John Jackson said “It’s time for the divisiveness and discord to end. I decided to run to stop over-development and bring civility back to our government.”

Ballard, Mirandi, Jackson, and the Red Bank Democrats are united in feeling the town needs stability more than ever, including retaining our form of government, a borough.  The issue is being researched by the Charter Study Commission formed last year.

Councilwoman Mirandi said “I sought this office because the decisions being made were not in the best interest of the residents”  She went on to state that “Our residents have struggled enough through this global pandemic, and we should be looking for ways to reduce taxes, not increase them.”