Beachwood Mayor Replacement Pick on July 6 Council Meeting Agenda

Former Beachwood Mayor Ronald W. Jones Jr. from his post last month, much to the elation of some residents and council members.

Since his exit on June 10, there has been a void at the highest office in the borough.

While Council President Ronald Roma has been performing certain mayoral duties for the interim, the search for a replacement has been under way.

At the last council meeting, Democratic candidates Bonnie Verga, Robert Clark and Kenneth Mullarney were announced as the three people submitted by the Beachwood Democratic Committee. 

Below is some information on the three potential replacements for Jones.

Robert Clark

A former appointee by Jones to the Land Use Board, Clark has served nearly a decade on various boards and commissions in Beachwood. He served as chairman of the Land Use Board, the Environmental Commission and the Recreation Committee.

Clark owns R&T Plumbing and Heating - a local plumbing and pipe fitting business in Beachwood. He also teaches at the Ocean County Vocational School.

Bonnie Verga

Verga was also appointed by Jones to the Land Use Board. She served two terms on the Borough Council. Verga is responsible for the creation of the Construction Office and the Code Enforcement, after the county withdrew its support. She also kick-started the shared services agreement with South Toms River and Island Heights.

"Bonnie brings years of experience serving on the council and she's lived in Beachwood for 37 years - she's raised her kids here," said Democratic municipal chairwoman Patricia Barndt. "She's been very involved in the town and everyone seems to like her. Even the Republicans liked her." 

Verga is currently a member of the Land Use Board.

Kenneth Mullarney

The relative newcomer to the Beachwood political scene, retired firefighter Kenneth Mullarney has spent a major portion of his life serving New Jersey. Mullarney joined the Jersey City Fire Department in 1985, where he served for 25 years.

During his time there, Mullarney received commendations from former Gov. James McGreevey for his bravery during the 9/11 rescue efforts. He also received a commendation from former Jersey City Mayor Gerald McCann for saving a small child from a fire.

"Ken Mullarney is just dedicated," said Barndt. "He's dedicated to the town and to the people. He looks at himself as one of the average citizens in Beachwood. He's concerned about the roads and taxes like all the other residents."

While the controversial mayor appointed two of the three candidates to positions, Barndt made it clear that Jones' politics should not be the main focus with the mayoral selection.

"I think Bonnie Verga and Robert Clark both ran with Ronald Jones at one time for office, but Mr. Jones is out of office right now," Barndt said. "Bonnie Verga and Robert Clark want to serve the community.They don't necessarily agree with all the things the mayor tried to do. They're their own people. They're not robots of the mayor."

Verga is the only one of the three candidates who can run as the incumbent in the next mayoral election if she's chosen, as she is already considered a candidate in November.

The Beachwood council will hold a public meeting regarding the three choices on July 6. All three will be interviewed by the council in a private session and the public will be able to ask questions during the public portion.

The council has until July 11 to decide who will take up the head of the Beachwood governing body.

Jones, who began his term in 2007, cited increased "business and personal commitments" as his basis for leaving office in a brief letter to borough Clerk Elizabeth Mastropasqua.

He also announced his resignation publicly via Facebook.

"It's official," Jones wrote in a message to his Facebook friends. "King Edward VIII abdicated the throne for his Mrs. Simpson and I resigned as Mayor of Beachwood effective Friday for my Simpson gal."