UPDATED: Jonathan Linken Resigns From Garwood Council

This afternoon, Garwood Councilman Jonathan Linken (D) submitted his formal letter of resignation from borough council, citing "personal family reasons" for his exit. A source close to borough council told Patch that Linken's resignation is not a political move.

Speaking to Patch, Linken said, "It was an honor and a privilege to serve. At all times, I made decisions with the best interest of the borough at heart. It is a great place, and I am proud to have been a part of the council for the past two years. I leave without regret and hope that the borough continues to flourish. Democrat or Republican, it doesn't matter – I wish everyone on council success and hope that they always continue to do what’s in the best interest of Garwood." 

Linken was elected to council in 2009, along with fellow Democrat Louis Petruzzelli; his three-year term would have expired at the end of this year. During his tenure, Linken oversaw the project, which was approved by the planning board last year and is currently being revised. He was also a part of the budget process last year and this year.

"He’s a wonderful young man," Garwood Mayor Patricia Quattrocchi told Patch. "Jonathan Linken was always kind of the voice of reason. He’s very cool and calm and collected, and he will be missed by both sides of the aisle."

To fill the vacancy, the Garwood Democratic Committee must present three nominees to council within the next 15 days. Within 30 days, council must select one of those nominees to fill the position. If council cannot agree on a candidate within 30 days, the Democratic Committee has another 15 days to appoint one of the nominees as Linken's successor. 

Garwood Democratic Committee Chairman Charles Lombardo could not tell Patch about potential nominees at this time. "There are eight people on the committee, and we're putting together a meeting next week so we can get the nominees in before the 28th and give council the full amount of time they need to make a decision," Lombardo told Patch.

As for Linken, Lombardo said, "I hold Jon Linken in high regard. He was an asset to the community as a council person as well as to the committee. I wish him well in the future."

Both Linken and Mayor Quattrocchi said they couldn't speculate as to the candidates the Democratic Committee might nominate as a potential replacement. However, with newcomer Sara Todisco and Democratic incumbent Louis Petruzzelli's recent announcement that they would be running for the two available council seats at the end of this year–against Republicans Carol Kearney and Steven Blaufeder–it seems likely that Todisco will be one of the nominees to fill Linken's seat for the remainder of his term. 

Linken's resignation letter is as follows:

April 13, 2011

To Whom It May Concern:

It is with deep regret and a heavy heart that I must inform you of my resignation from my seat on council effective immediately. Due to personal family reasons, I am no longer able to serve the citizens of this great borough.  It has been truly an honor to serve on council over the past two years, and I wish nothing but the best for the mayor and council in the years to come.  I have been fortunate enough to have worked with many great people while on council, included elected officials and our terrific municipal employees, and I would like to thank them all very much. 

Sincerely,
Jonathan Linken

Clark-Garwood Patch will update this story as more information becomes available.