South River Councilman Jim Jones steps down Cites personal reasons; does not rule out future bids for office Staff Writer

South River Councilman Jim Jones steps down
Cites personal reasons; does not rule out future bids for office
Staff Writer

Staff Writer

For three and a half years, Councilman Jim Jones has served South River well.

He has worked as the liaison for the Police Department and worked closely with fire officials. Jones also worked as the chairman for the building department and served as the first chairman to the economic and planning departments.

But last Wednesday in a shocker to the council and public alike, Jones announced he would not be returning to finish the remainder of his term as councilman.

"I tried to do what voters put me in office to do," said Jones.

Citing personal issues that would require much of his attention, Jones said that last Wednesday’s council meeting would be his last.

Jones, a Democrat, has been on the outs with his party since last year when he went against party lines and asked that a referendum for a new municipal complex be placed on the November ballot.

In doing so, Jones became the chairman of the ad hoc committee to look into costs and a proposed site for a new municipal complex.

That referendum question, however, was defeated by voters last November.

The South River Democratic Party did not endorse Jones or fellow Democratic Councilman Shawn Haussermann in this year’s election.

At the time, Jones said he was not endorsed mainly because of the controversy over the municipal complex.

Although Jones would not make any further comments on his decision not to finish his term, which ends at the end of December, he did allude to the possibility of running for office in the future.

"There might be another time and another date," he said.

The Democratic Party will now have 15 days to find a replacement for Jones’ seat.

If a recommendation is not made within the 15 days, the council can appoint its own candidate.

Both Mayor Robert Szegeti and council President David Sliker said they were surprised by the news of Jones’ resignation.

Szegeti said Jones will be missed and that he has always been good for the borough and the residents of South River.