While there are no seats up for grabs in the 2020 election for Gloucester Township Council, a new face will be added following a member’s resignation.
Council President Orlando Mercado announced on Sept. 28 that councilman Scott Owens had submitted his letter of resignation 10 days earlier. He was not present during the council meeting.
According to Mercado, Owens moved out of Gloucester Township earlier in the month, leaving him no choice but to vacate his seat. In a letter submitted to the township and obtained by The Sun, Owens cited both “family and professional circumstances” for his move.
In the letter, Owens said he enjoyed serving on council and reflected on the various achievements he is proud to have reached alongside his fellow members.
“It has been my honor to serve the residents of Gloucester Township over the past three years,” he wrote. “I am proud of our many accomplishments, including one year with a 0-percent tax increase in the municipal budget, the numerous playgrounds built for the youth in our community, the continued support to the men and women of the GT Police Department, the capital improvement projects, from road repairs to investments in our public works infrastructure and so much more.”
The Gloucester Township Democratic County Committee will have 15 days from the date of Owens’ resignation to submit three names as possible replacements, according to Solicitor David Carlamere. Council will then have an additional 15 days to select one of the three candidates to assume Owens’ seat.
The selected candidate will be with council until the 2021 election, when Owens’ term is to expire. He was in the midst of his first term with council after winning in 2017.
In the letter addressed to Mercado, Owens also thanked his colleagues, township workers and township residents for putting their faith in him during his time with council.
“Serving the township with you and my fellow council colleagues has been an absolute privilege, and I leave feeling proud for all that we have done for the betterment of Gloucester Township,” he noted.
“I will cherish the memories and the time spent together on Monday evenings, and the numerous community events that we always supported. Lastly, I thank the residents of Gloucester Township for entrusting me to serve them these past years.”
During the meeting, Mercado thanked Owens for his time with council and wished him the best moving forward.
“We wish Scott and his family well,” said Mercado. “Scott lived in the township for a long time. We’ll miss him and his son coming here and his family as well, so we wish him the best.”
