Red Bank Returns Legislative Oversight Authority to Council

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 27, 2022 – The Red Bank Borough Council voted to return legislative authority to the council.  This ends a 3 year policy that removed all legislative oversight and power from the elected members of the council and installed an executive administrator to control operations and governmental affairs.

Acting Business Administrator, Red Bank Police Chief Darren McConnell will retain his authority to coordinate, direct and manage all Borough Departments, but will rely on the governing body’s legislative ability to exercise oversight of municipal government.

“I had originally supported the decision to create an executive, CEO-type of position because I believed it would streamline borough processes and create more efficiencies in government,” said five-term councilman Ed Zipprich. “Unfortunately, the decision abdicated our responsibility as elected officials to an un-elected employee with zero direct accountability to the voters.”

“I believe the Council must be accountable to the voters, and ran on this issue as part of my ten point pledge to improve our town,” said councilwoman Jacqueline Sturdivant.  “I’m confident that returning legislative oversight to the Council will deliver results on issues that matter to the people who live here.”

Councilman Michael Ballard agreed, adding “We are elected to do the work of the people.  Whether it’s finally fixing the Senior Center, disbanding the expensive Redevelopment Agency, or implementing a long awaited Master Plan that incorporates an improved Complete Streets and Pedestrian Plan. There’s a lot of work that has been on the back burner for years and I am excited to get that work going now. We can finally begin to refocus our efforts on what Red Bank needs, instead of what outside interests might want.”

Borough councilman Erik Yngstrom resigned on January 19th. His replacement could be named at the next council meeting on February 12th.