BY MICHAEL ACKER
Staff Writer
SOUTH RIVER – After nearly four years on the Borough Council, Linda Ejk stepped down last week, citing personal reasons.
The lifelong South River resident received a round of applause from the public and fellow council members during an Aug. 28 meeting at Borough Hall, when Ejk addressed the council and thanked those who have supported her as an elected official.
“I thank the residents of South River for their vote of confidence three years ago,” Ejk said. “It is with regret that I have to leave the council due to family obligations.”
Ejk joined the council after being appointed to replace Gerald McAtee in January 2003, and was elected to a full term the following year. That term would have expired this Dec. 31.
Her replacement will be chosen from among three candidates listed in a letter to the council from South River Democratic Organization Chairman Robert C. Rafano. The three candidates are Anthony Razzano, of Essex Street, James Jones, of Mageira Street, and Leonid Surak, of Ridge Road.
Ejk, in a letter to Mayor Robert Szegeti, cited increasing responsibilities involving her place of employment and her family as the reasons she vacated her seat on the dais last week.
“It would be remiss of me in my responsibilities to the borough residents who have elected me, and the other borough officials, not to give the quality of time and consideration they expect and deserve,” Ejk said.
She thanked Szegeti for his support and leadership, adding that it was an honor and a privilege to serve her hometown.
“Your mentoring became invaluable to me, as a lighthouse beacon guides troubled vessels. But more importantly, you became my trusted friend. It truly was a privilege to sit at your right-hand side on the council,” Ejk told Szegeti in the letter.
Ejk, 45, has been working for Ferrero USA Inc., a confectionery company based in Italy that makes Tic-Tacs, as an assistant manager of finance and budget for almost 10 years, she told the Sentinel.
She has been married to her husband, Robert, for 15 years. They grew up one street over from each other, Ejk said, and they have two children, Tyler, 11, and Stephen, 13.
Of her council service, Ejk said she is most proud of having created a partnership between the committees within the borough to work together for the benefit of the community. She cited the borough’s first “senior prom” as an example of different organizations banding together for a common cause.
“I feel that the seniors finally got their recognition and their due,” Ejk said. “It was an honor working with all of the volunteers. I could not pick volunteers better than the ones on my committees and boards. They made my job easy.”
At last week’s meeting, resident Ed Duffy thanked Ejk for her service to the borough.
“I think she has done a good job,” Duffy said. “She is a true Democrat.”
Library Director Andrea Londensky said Ejk will be missed on the council dais.
“We will miss you,” Londensky said. “You were so responsive and accessible and you brought such common sense to the council. As a taxpayer and citizen of the community, I will miss you and I wish we could change your mind.”
Retired Deputy Clerk Anita Hernstedt had similar feelings.
“Linda was always there when you needed someone to talk to,” Hernstedt said. “I am sure she will continue to be involved in the borough.”
Despite her Democratic status, Republican Councilman John Krenzel shared positive thoughts on Ejk’s service with the council.
“I am sorry to see you go,” Krenzel said. “I thank you for serving with us. This is not an easy job [and] you have served well.”
Democratic Councilwoman JoAnne Dembinski said she considers Ejk to be a colleague and a friend.
“We had a lot of laughs,” Dembinski said. “Thank you for all of your hard work. I will miss you.”
Republican Councilman Raymond Eppinger also thanked Ejk publicly.
“Linda, you have been a very good source of information,” he said, adding, “You always voted your conscience. I wish you nothing but the best. I am sure we will see you involved in something else.”
Democratic Councilman Richard Reichenbach thanked Ejk for a job well done.
“Your input and comments have been beneficial to the residents of South River. I am sorry that under [these] conditions you have to go, but as I say, family has to come first,” Reichenbach said.
Democratic council President David Sliker noted Ejk’s contribution to the finance committee in particular.
“It has been a pleasure to work with you,” Sliker said.
Szegeti addressed Ejk at the meeting as well.
“My thanks for serving and energizing the council,” he said.
Ejk said she is hoping to work with the cultural arts and heritage commission on concerts in the park and the fall festival.
In response to a question on whether she would someday return to the dais, Ejk replied that she could not say for sure.
“That is a tough question,” she said. “It depends on how much time I end up having and what I am busy with in the future, but I will definitely be involved with committees for projects that I would like to see continue.”