College post causes conflict for now former Councilman Di Falco

Would-be replacements should call Susan Porcella, chairwoman of the Pennington Democrats, at 737-8373

By Ruth Luse, Managing Editor
   Just 14 days after having been elected to a one-year unexpired term on Pennington Borough Council, Robert Di Falco, a Democrat, has quit.
   Mr. Di Falco, who beat Republican challenger Lance Lewis on Nov. 6, would have been seated “as soon as we got the certified election results from the county,” said Betty Sterling, borough clerk. Those results came in Monday.
   Mr. Di Falco already held the seat, having been appointed to replace former Councilman Jim Lytle (Democrat) in March 2007.
   Mr. Di Falco had to relinquish his position, he said Monday in a letter to the editor. His resignation was effective Monday.
   ”On Friday, Nov. 9, I was advised by the chairman of the Board of Trustees of Mercer County Community College, Anthony Cimino, that as an ‘elected public official’ I would be disqualified by statute from further serving on that board. I am embarrassed to admit that this news came as a total shock to me. However, I have since seen the applicable statute and have confirmed that this is true. Under NJS 18A: 64-9 an ‘elected public official’ – with the exception only of a local school board member – may not serve as a voting member of a county college board of trustees,” Mr. Di Falco wrote.
   This leaves the Pennington Democratic Organization with the same task it had back in February, after Mr. Lytle resigned. Within 15 days from Monday (Nov. 19 — the date of Mr. Di Falco’s resignation), that group must nominate three people from whom council will pick Mr. Di Falco’s replacement. Council has 30 days from Nov. 19. to choose that person, who will serve until Dec. 31, 2008.
   Susan Porcella, chairwoman of the Pennington Democrats, is seeking Pennington residents interested in filling the position. She is asking them to call her at 737-8373.
   Mr. Di Falco further states in his letter: “Regrettably, I am now confronted with a very difficult choice, between continued service to the county college and returning to Borough Council as an elected councilperson. I have served on the Mercer County Community College (MCCC) board of trustees since 2004 and am presently treasurer of the board and chair of the Finance Committee. I feel a strong commitment to my service on the board and am proud of the process of change that has begun at the college during my tenure. I also feel strongly about Pennington Borough and the satisfaction of service to my community, as demonstrated by my many years of volunteer service as councilperson (1999-2003, 2007).
   ”When James Lytle resigned from his council seat last spring I was encouraged by friends and neighbors to put my hat in the ring. I campaigned hard for the seat, knocking on doors, contributing to the purchase of advertising and brochures and participating in the League of Women Voters debate. In doing so, however, I had no idea that my election would jeopardize my continued involvement with the college.
   ”I have been on the (MCCC) board of trustees during a very important period of transition for the college,” he noted, listing several accomplishments and a variety of efforts that are under way at the school. “I feel that I have an obligation to the students, faculty and administration of MCCC and to the citizens of Mercer County to carry these initiatives through to successful conclusion.”