TOMS RIVER - Donald Guardian made political history back in 2013 when he became the first openly gay mayor of Atlantic City. He also was a Republican in what is a largely Democratic city.

No longer mayor, Guardian has since moved on to the state Assembly representing LD-2.

This week, however, he made news of a different sort - settling a lawsuit with the municipality that reads like something that took place in the 1960's. He will receive $690,000.

After leaving the mayor's position, Guardian was hired as Toms River business administrator in 2018, meaning he was the senior employee in this Ocean County town.

Things apparently became strained very quickly.

There was disagreement between Guardian and some council members about a zoning ordinance. Whatever the merits, such conflicts are common.

But then there were things that were not common.

Guardian says in a lawsuit filed against the town in 2021 that he was subject to a variety of homophobic and anti-gay insults.

This is where the earlier comment about the 1960's is relevant. Hard to believe we are still reading about such insults in 2025.

No matter. The suit chugged along and a trial was upcoming.

But on Monday night, the town's mayor, Daniel Rodrick, announced the settlement. Here is a part of what he said:

"Mr, Guardian took the position just a few months before I was first sworn in on town council and he was working (to) put the township back on a fiscally sustainable path. He was a good administrator and I want to apologize to him on behalf of Toms River Township. No one should be treated that way because of who or what they are. I'm sorry they treated him that way."